Learning – TY FOR TCAPS

TCAPS Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Creativity, Opportunity, and Pathways for All

Ty Schmidt

April 9, 2026

The TCAPS Curriculum Committee meets to guide and oversee teaching and learning across the district. These meetings bring together school board members, staff, and district leaders to review programs, monitor student progress, and discuss instructional strategies. The Curriculum Committee Snapshot is a monthly series designed to increase awareness and understanding of how this work supports…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Curriculum Committee, Learning, Meetings, Schools

Courtade and Willow Hill Elementary: Brights Spots

Ty Schmidt

March 27, 2026

There’s a national conversation happening right now about early literacy—and which schools are helping students succeed as readers, regardless of family income. Right here in our community, two schools have been recognized as part of that story. Courtade Elementary and Willow Hill Elementary have both been identified as “Bright Spots” by The 74*, a national…

Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Schools

Virtual Learning Is Growing — But Who Is It Serving?

Ty Schmidt

March 22, 2026

I don’t yet know the percentage of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in our virtual programs. I do know we’ve expanded our virtual program at Traverse City High School and launched a new middle school option at East Middle School – with built-in adult support and check-ins. That’s a positive step. At the same time, our…

Advocacy, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Schools, Student Achievement

From Steadying the Ship to Full Speed Ahead: A New Vision for Early Literacy at TCAPS

Ty Schmidt

March 18, 2026

Our most recent third-grade reading outcomes certainly make clear the work ahead: • All third graders: 49% proficient • Economically disadvantaged third graders: 38% • Not economically disadvantaged third graders: 53% These numbers show why it’s time to move from steadying the ship to full speed ahead. That’s why, for the first time, our district’s…

Board of Education, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Student Achievement

Partnership Schools: Surrounding TCAPS Students with Support

Ty Schmidt

March 12, 2026

At our recent Curriculum Committee meeting*, we learned about the “Partnership School” model and explored ways in which trained and vetted community members could provide additional academic tutoring in reading and math—especially for students who need extra practice to build literacy and numeracy fluency. This isn’t about replacing teachers – it’s about surrounding students with…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Curriculum Committee, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Student Achievement

March’s Newsletter

Ty Schmidt

March 10, 2026

March’s newsletter is out: – Reading month, literacy, opportunity gaps, and a community promise – A turning point: Enrollment is not down for the first time in six years – Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Parent engagement – School board meeting agenda highlights – Mr. Kay goes to the State of the State in Lansing – Compass…

Advocacy, Board of Education, Community Relations, Curriculum Committee, Enrollment, Equity, Learning, Meetings, Newsletter, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Schools, Staffing, Student Achievement

TCAPS Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Community, Innovation and Strengthening School–Family Partnerships

Ty Schmidt

March 4, 2026

The TCAPS Curriculum Committee meets to guide and oversee teaching and learning across the district. These meetings bring together school board members, staff, and district leaders to review programs, monitor student progress, and discuss instructional strategies. The Curriculum Committee Snapshot is a new monthly series to help increase awareness and understanding of how this work…

Board of Education, Community Relations, Connection, Curriculum Committee, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Schools, Student Achievement, Wellbeing

Federal Policy is Personal: Advocating for TCAPS Kids in DC

Ty Schmidt

March 2, 2026

At our Organizational Meeting this year, the Board of Education was clear: when the district invests in professional learning for trustees, we should share what we learn with our community. After attending the National School Board Association’s Advocacy Institute in DC, I reflected on the experience and what it means for TCAPS students. Here’s my…

Advocacy, Board of Education, Equity, Learning, Schools, Student Achievement, Wellbeing

Early literacy isn’t just a school issue — it’s a community promise

Ty Schmidt

February 25, 2026

This powerful op-ed applauds TCAPS for embracing the science of reading — and reminds us that the foundation for success is laid long before kindergarten. With fewer than 50%* of our third graders reading proficiently, and only about half of our children entering school ready to learn, this is exactly why our new 5-year 2030…

Advocacy, Community Relations, Equity, Framing, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Reading, Student Achievement

Trojan/Titan Integrated Experience in Action: Where Career-Connected Learning Comes to Life

Ty Schmidt

January 22, 2026

Traverse City Central High School Trojan Integrated Experience (TIE) students presenting handcrafted planters to the school board last week was a powerful reminder of why programs like TIE matter. Hands-on, career-connected learning creates opportunity for students with different strengths, interests, and pathways—and gives students who learn by doing the time, space, and tools to thrive.…

Behind The Bell, Board of Education, Career and Technical Education, Equity, Learning, Opportunity, Priorities, Schools