Register Now for Popcorn to Pathways: October 28-30, 2019
Join Magnet Schools of America, Albuquerque Public Schools and your fellow magnet school colleagues in Albuquerque, NM for the 2019 Technical Assistance & Training Conference - happening October 28-30, 2019.

Why Popcorn?  Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), the largest public school system in New Mexico, is implementing their MSAP grant to transition from “popcorn programming” to a new K-12 STEM magnet pathway.
The city is a hub of science, research, technology, and arts, but has experienced "popcorn programs" with no K-12 connections. To progress from this type of programming, APS developed a portfolio of innovative programs to offer more choice and to establish a K-12 engineering pathway for neighborhood schools.

Conference sessions will include:
  • Are you in shape for the next MSAP competition? Hear from a panel of grantees on things you can be doing to start preparing now.
  • A new Certification Readiness Lab that will provide participants with an opportunity to simulate a certification activity.
  • School leaders from APS and other magnet districts will share thoughts, advice, and experiences.

Register now and come ready to learn about the challenges of implementing a new magnet pathway and be part of the conversations and discussions about equity, leadership and culture, and professional development.
Apply for National Certification - Deadline Extended!
Attention all Magnet School leaders: Magnet Schools of America is extending the National Certification application deadline to August 30, 2019.

Don't miss the opportunity to achieve the highest level of recognition for magnet schools nationwide.

Why become certified?
As your school participates in the nine-month certification process, it will submit evidence demonstrating how it meets each of the multiple indicators included in the Standards of Excellence.
Become Nationally Certified and Proudly Display Your Seal!
This includes providing specific examples of how your school incorporates best practices, promotes school diversity, improves student achievement, closes the achievement gap, integrates innovative theme-based curricula in all classes, and encourages parent and community involvement.

Schools that meet all the criteria within the Standards of Excellence will become  nationally certified . Those that exceed the criteria will be labeled as Demonstration Schools. All schools that become nationally certified will be able to promote their well-earned status and stand out as an exemplary magnet program in their community!

Do you have questions about National Certification?  Watch this  informational webinar  to see if your school is ready to be certified, read our FAQs or  contact  the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL) with questions. 
IN THE NEWS
MacFarlane Park Elementary ranked No. 1 elementary magnet school in U.S.
From Fox 13 News in Tampa, Fla.

A local elementary school has made Hillsborough County school history.

Fourth grade teacher Lelia Kanzer enjoys quizzing young minds at MacFarlane Park Elementary School in Tampa.

"The emphasis is really on letting kids drive the inquiries and using their curiosity," she said.

The school was just named the top elementary magnet school in the country, of the more than 4,000 magnet schools across America.

Click here to read more and watch the news clip.
MacFarlane Park Elementary Featured in Fox13 News Coverage.

Coverage by: Kelly Ring, Fox 13, Tampa, Fla.
1970s Anti-busing Law Eyed for Elimination

Magnet Schools of America worked with Politico to highlight conversations happening among Members of Congress to eliminate Section 426 of the General Education Provisions Act. This provision dates back to the 1970s anti-busing era, yet it is still blocking schools from using federal funds for transportation costs that would help with desegregation.

The Politico article explains how the provision hinders integration busing, even though other similar restrictions have been lifted in recent years.

For access to the full article (which is only available to Politico Pro subscribers) or background on the conversations happening in Congress on this topic, contact Todd Mann at todd.mann@magnet.edu .

Have a story you want to share with MSA members?
 Send along to communications@magnet.edu .

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e-Choice | June 2019