Opportunity
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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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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:…
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Mississippi’s Reading Miracle: A Lesson for Michigan?
Between 2013 and 2024, reading scores for the lowest-performing students dropped significantly across 40+ states — but one state defied the trend: Mississippi. Despite being the poorest state in the country, Mississippi’s literacy gains—especially among Black and low-income students—are now leading the nation. How? They didn’t just tweak policy. They invested in literacy coaches, screened…
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A Community for Student Success: Building a Districtwide Tutoring Network
If equity becomes a pillar (and closing our student achievement gap becomes a priority) of our next strategic plan, what could/should a district-wide Student Success Network look like? One idea: a robust team of trained, intentional tutors to help level the playing field like this Math Club crew at Traverse Heights Elementary. They have been…
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Behind the Bell: TeachMichigan Fellows Thrive at Blair Elementary
Behind The Bell is a monthly storytelling series that takes readers beyond the classroom and into the heart of Traverse City Area Public Schools’ mission, values, vision and strategic goals. Through inspiring profiles, this series highlights the people, programs, and moments that shape our schools and connect our community. From unsung heroes to innovative initiatives,…
TY FOR TCAPS 