Equity
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Supporting Traverse City’s English Learners: Local Action, Strong Commitment
As Washington steps back and Michigan rolls out new statewide requirements to ensure English learners receive dedicated instructional time, TCAPS is stepping up our support for students and families. State Superintendent Michael Rice has made clear that while federal protections may feel uncertain, Michigan’s commitment to fairness, access, and inclusion remains strong—and we’re proud to…
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A new 5-year plan for TCAPS – Excited for what we can accomplish together
Earlier this week, we unanimously approved a new 5-year Strategic Plan for TCAPS. This new plan builds on the work of our previous 3-year plan, carrying forward four focus areas and adding a new one: health, wellbeing, and school connectedness. It also aligns closely with our mission, vision, and values—including our shared commitment to inclusive education, equitable…
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3rd Grade Reading, 8th Grade Math, 11th Grade College Readiness: A Sampling of Our 2024/25 Student Achievement Outcomes
Our state assessment results for 2024/25 were released to the public last week. Below you’ll find a snapshot of how our students performed in reading, math, and college readiness. I’ve included five years of data for context (as well as outcomes for our economically disadvantaged kids)—and connected these results to the goals in our draft…
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School Meals for All TCAPS Kids: Funding Still Uncertain
Some Michigan districts* have already ended free school meals for the 2025–26 school year. I’m proud that we will continue to offer them for every student—at least until September 30**. But the clock is ticking. The Legislature still hasn’t passed a state budget. That means funding for universal free meals could disappear. Please: 1) urge…
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Our Next Five Years: Focus, Equity, and Opportunity for All
We had a great discussion last night on our new 5-year strategic plan. This strong draft builds on our previous 3-year plan (4 of the 5 focus areas carry over from 2022–25) and is well aligned with our mission, vision, and values—including our commitment to inclusive education, equitable access, and success for all. It reflects…
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Making LEAP Work for All Kids: What Should Expanded After-School and Summer Learning Look Like?
If we’re expanding our PK–12 after-school and summer learning and enrichment opportunities—the why behind the proposed East Middle multi-use fieldhouse—what should that actually look like? Our after-school and summer program, LEAP, has a clear vision: “To provide students with increased opportunities for engagement beyond the school day through educational and recreational activities to improve learning,…
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Equity in Action: Room to Grow for Our Roadrunners
Thanks to the 2024 bond, construction is underway to add three new classrooms and expand the cafeteria at one of our Title I elementary schools. What this could mean for our Traverse Heights Elementary Roadrunners: Smaller class sizes—especially in those crucial early grades Improved student success and outcomes Better learning environments for all We’re building…
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Traverse City has a lot going for it—becoming the next Aspen isn’t one of them
Jason Tank’s piece in Sunday’s Record-Eagle was a good reminder: When big tax breaks go to the top and cuts hit programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and the Child Tax Credit, the need doesn’t disappear—it just shifts to local communities like ours. And here in Traverse City, that shift will only widen the already massive gap…
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5 New Strategic Plan Goals for TCAPS
Save the date: The next strategic plan meeting will be on August 11th – and another one will be on August 25th. And you can subscribe to have school board meeting agendas and packets emailed to you once they’re published HERE. *Story by Kathryn in the June 16th Record-Eagle Cute photo of Mrs. Helman and some…
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Envisioning Equity: A New Narrative on Assessment in Education
New from The FrameWorks Institute (where I was fortunate to learn, thanks to a Rotary Charities of Traverse City Changemaker Fellowship): “Envisioning Equity” offers 6 powerful shifts to reframe how we discuss assessment and equity in education. Education = a shared responsibility Equity = a societal good Assessment = a tool for justice Key recommendations:…
TY FOR TCAPS 