Collaborative Relationships
The REMC Association of Michigan has a long history of developing and nurturing cooperative, collaborative relationships that have a mutual benefit for the Association, its respective partners and schools throughout the state. It works closely with these organizations and shares a similar commitment to the effective use of technology and media to increase student achievement.
REMCAM members serve on the MDE's Educational Technology Advisory Group (ongoing), the Seat Time Waiver and the Professional Development Committees (2010-11). Together, MDE and the Association support Michigan Learns Online , Michigan Learns Online-Teaching and Learning Online and REMC MI Streamnet. The REMC Instructional Technology Specialists (RITS) committee developed and annually updates the 8th Grade Technology Assessment and the Personnel Skilled in Technology Assessment. Schools use these tools to assess and report on the technology proficiency of both students and teachers.
REMCAM's $AVE Bid Project is a major sponsor of the annual MACUL conference. The Association and MACUL jointly sponsor the "Michigan Reception" held during the annual ISTE conference. REMC Directors serve on the MACUL Board of Directors. The Executive Directors of both organizations hold liaison positions on each other's Board of Directors.
The 22 regional and 6 auxiliary REMCs are an integral part of the intermediate school district structure. Within this structure REMCs support quality teaching for learning, provide equity to Michigan's Pre K-12 students and foster collaboration and cooperation particularly through the use of technology. REMCAM members serve on MAISA's Instructional Leadership and Technology committees.
From students to teachers to administrators and all other members of Michigan's educational community extensively use MeL "Michigan's 24/7 Library". MeL's resources such as the Databases, MORE (Michigan Online Resources for Educators) and MeL Michigana support classroom instruction and learning. REMC Centers have hosted many MeL trainings and promote the use of MeL to schools throughout the state. As online MeL training becomes available REMCs will incorporate these trainings in their local offerings.
Library media specialists are a vital link between the local REMC and the constituents it serves. Library media specialists serve on many local REMC Advisory Boards, provide feedback and promote the use of REMC programs and services within their districts. In 2010, MAME released a PSA called "Ask Why?" to raise awareness among parents and school administrators of the need for certified school librarians in public schools. Joe Staley of the San Francisco 49ers, the son of a Michigan school librarian, is the spokesperson in the PSA.
REMCAM and Michigan Virtual School share a long history of support of online learning for Michigan's middle and high school students. From instructor-led to self-directed courses Michigan's students have access to a variety of courses in subject areas such as English language arts, foreign language, mathematics, social studies as well as Advanced Placement and test preparation courses. REMCAM members serve on the MVS/LearnPort Advisory Board and MVS/LearnPort staff often provide updates at REMCAM business meetings.