April 22, 2008

Dear Superintendent:

We are pleased to invite you and your colleagues to attend the Summer Institute for Superintendents sponsored by Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The Institute is scheduled from Wednesday, June 25, 1:00 PM , to noon on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan.  This will be a very special program – our 10th annual Summer Institute for Superintendents.  Each June, about 40 superintendents from across Michigan gather at the beautiful and family-friendly Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan near Traverse City for a 3-day reflective retreat that many consider to be some of the best professional development they have ever experienced.

This year’s speakers will include James Warnock from Research for Better Teaching, co-author of The Skillful Leader II: Confronting Conditions that Undermine Learning (which will be available for purchase at the conference), and MSU University Distinguished Professor William Schmidt, who will talk about his latest research on what teachers know about teaching mathematics.  In addition, Lynn Paine, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Teacher Education, will comparison the system and structure of K-12 education in China with those of the U.S.  Superintendents should bring their evaluation rubric for this interactive session.  Participants will become familiar with the possibilities that comparative and international education offer U.S. educators, focusing particularly on issues related to K-12 teacher quality, professional development, curriculum reform, closing the achievement gap, and teacher assessment--all hot topics today in China and very much on the minds of Chinese district leaders as they are for U.S. superintendents.  Participants will move into table groups to consider more concretely how Chinese and U.S. educators approach these issues.

As always, there will be time for ISDs to conduct group meetings of their district superintendents; you may also bring your district’s administrative team for a mini-retreat.  The Crystal Mountain conference site provides many recreational opportunities for family members, and families are welcome to attend a reception and dinner on June 25 for an extra fee.  As a conference participant you may include an additional adult in your hotel room without charge; larger accommodations for families are also available at additional cost.  The total cost for this year’s conference remains at $995, which includes all participant meals, lodging and materials.  Graduate credit is available through Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.  SB CEUs will be available for those who do not choose to enroll for graduate credit.

Enclosed are a tentative agenda and registration form.  If you have questions, please contact Barbara Markle at 517.353.8950 or markle@msu.edu.  We look forward to your participation in this event.

Sincerely,

Philip Cusick                             
Barbara Markle                        
Ken Burnley                              
Roger Goddard