Flint, MI – December 12, 2024 – Flint Community Schools (FCS) proudly announces meeting its 18-month benchmark goals in Literacy, Mathematics, and Systems under the Partnership Agreement with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools overwhelmingly met their individual goals, contributing to the district being on track as identified by the MDE Metrics of Success. This achievement underscores the district's commitment to its mission: "To develop a community of learners who are prepared to live, work, and contribute to an ever-changing society." Key Academic Achievements - FCS demonstrated substantial improvements in: M-STEP/PSAT Literacy and Math NWEA Scholar Growth in Reading and Mathematics Kelly Fields, Director of the Office of Academics, reflected on the district’s progress: "This achievement is the result of a shared vision and relentless focus on student success. Our educators, scholars, and partners have worked tirelessly to create growth opportunities, and these milestones prove what we can accomplish together. We remain committed to using data, innovation, and collaboration to ensure every scholar is prepared for the future." The Partnership Agreement, initiated on April 17, 2023, is a collaborative effort among FCS, the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). It focuses on enhancing student achievement through targeted strategies in key areas: Literacy: Implementing evidence-based reading programs and providing professional development for educators to improve student literacy outcomes. Mathematics: Adopting innovative instructional practices and curricula to elevate student proficiency in mathematics. Systems Improvement: Strengthening district-wide systems to support effective teaching and learning, including the utilization of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) to inform instruction. Receiving the prestigious MiMTSS Recognition award for the district's 2023-2024 school year, marking the third consecutive year of this significant achievement. This recognition underscores the dedication and hard work of Flint educators and administrators in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students through the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MiMTSS) framework. Flint Community Schools received recognition in two categories for 2023-2024: MTSS Data Utilization and MTSS Implementation and Impact. These honors reflect Flint’s proactive approach to using data insights to tailor interventions and improve educational outcomes for every scholar. The recognition process draws upon information housed within the MiMTSS Data System, and criteria are detailed on the MiMTSS TA Center website at https://mimtsstac.org/evaluation-research/results/mimtss-recognition. This progress has been made possible through the steadfast support of our partners: Genesee Intermediate School District: Offering professional learning, coaching, and resources to bolster district initiatives. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation: Providing financial support to address critical needs within the district. Michigan State University: Delivering technical support and professional development to enhance instructional practices. These successes reflect targeted efforts to enhance scholar performance, with support from Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) Early Literacy Coaches. Key strategies included: Classroom Coaching: Side-by-side guidance for certified and uncertified teachers in K-4 classrooms. Focused on small group instruction, student voice, formal assessment, and cognitive engagement. Comprehensive Literacy Support: Co-planning, co-teaching, and instructional cycles tailored to foster literacy development. GISD Support through PPSC and MTSS training. Data-Driven Decision-Making with MSU Support Through the Regional Assistance Grant, FCS leveraged federal funds (~$650,000 annually in 2023-24 and 2024-25) through the Michigan Department of Education to enhance data-driven instruction and capacity building: MSU Data Coaching: Supported central office and school leaders in using scholarly data to align instructional goals with Partnership Agreement objectives. Instructional Leadership Fellowship: Delivered six sessions to principals and central office administrators, focusing on attendance, literacy, math, and data-informed strategies. Coaching: Providing targeted coaching and support to principals and central office administrators, aligning efforts with Partnership Agreement Goals in ELA, Math, and Attendance. Facilitate "Data All The Time" conversations to reinforce progress monitoring and drive continuous improvement. Transformational Campus Upgrades The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other partners contributed to state-of-the-art renovations across FCS campuses, creating engaging, secure, and student-centered environments: Brownell/Holmes STEM Academy Campus: Renovated early childhood wing and courtyards. Developed new playgrounds, basketball courts, pickleball, and the community hub (“The Cube”). Updated the football field, running track, and building façades. Potter Elementary Campus: $11 million renovation featuring a modern learning environment with enhanced security and upgraded facilities. Additions include a conference room, kitchen, principal’s office, two bathrooms, a new community engagement room, and renovating the auditorium for events with state-of-the-art equipment. Looking Forward - Superintendent Kevelin Jones praised the district’s progress, stating, “These benchmarks demonstrate the extraordinary dedication of our scholars, staff, and community partners. Together, we are not only improving academic outcomes but also creating spaces where students feel inspired to learn and thrive.” The district affirms the unwavering efforts of our staff who have worked diligently to implement practices that support these goals. Their commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation is instrumental in driving the positive changes Flint Community Schools see today. As Flint Community Schools continues its Partnership Agreement, the district will remain focused on sustaining and scaling these efforts to ensure long-term success for its scholars and the broader community. Press release link: https://5il.co/32zrz

12-12-24 Flint Community Schools Celebrates Major Milestones in Partnership Agreement with the Genesee Intermediate School District, and the Michigan Department of Education

Flint Community Schools

December 12, 2024

Flint, MI – December 12, 2024 – Flint Community Schools (FCS) proudly announces meeting its 18-month benchmark goals in Literacy, Mathematics, and Systems under the Partnership Agreement with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools overwhelmingly met their individual goals, contributing to the district being on track as identified by the MDE Metrics of Success. This achievement underscores the district's commitment to its mission: "To develop a community of learners who are prepared to live, work, and contribute to an ever-changing society."

Key Academic Achievements - FCS demonstrated substantial improvements in:

  • M-STEP/PSAT Literacy and Math

  • NWEA Scholar Growth in Reading and Mathematics

Kelly Fields, Director of the Office of Academics, reflected on the district’s progress: "This achievement is the result of a shared vision and relentless focus on student success. Our educators, scholars, and partners have worked tirelessly to create growth opportunities, and these milestones prove what we can accomplish together. We remain committed to using data, innovation, and collaboration to ensure every scholar is prepared for the future."

The Partnership Agreement, initiated on April 17, 2023, is a collaborative effort among FCS, the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). It focuses on enhancing student achievement through targeted strategies in key areas:

  • Literacy: Implementing evidence-based reading programs and providing professional development for educators to improve student literacy outcomes.

  • Mathematics: Adopting innovative instructional practices and curricula to elevate student proficiency in mathematics.

  • Systems Improvement: Strengthening district-wide systems to support effective teaching and learning, including the utilization of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) to inform instruction. Receiving the prestigious MiMTSS Recognition award for the district's 2023-2024 school year, marking the third consecutive year of this significant achievement. This recognition underscores the dedication and hard work of Flint educators and administrators in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students through the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MiMTSS) framework. Flint Community Schools received recognition in two categories for 2023-2024: MTSS Data Utilization and MTSS Implementation and Impact. These honors reflect Flint’s proactive approach to using data insights to tailor interventions and improve educational outcomes for every scholar. The recognition process draws upon information housed within the MiMTSS Data System, and criteria are detailed on the MiMTSS TA Center website at https://mimtsstac.org/evaluation-research/results/mimtss-recognition.

This progress has been made possible through the steadfast support of our partners:

  • Genesee Intermediate School District: Offering professional learning, coaching, and resources to bolster district initiatives.

  • Charles Stewart Mott Foundation: Providing financial support to address critical needs within the district.

  • Michigan State University: Delivering technical support and professional development to enhance instructional practices.

These successes reflect targeted efforts to enhance scholar performance, with support from Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) Early Literacy Coaches. Key strategies included:

  • Classroom Coaching: Side-by-side guidance for certified and uncertified teachers in K-4 classrooms. Focused on small group instruction, student voice, formal assessment, and cognitive engagement.

  • Comprehensive Literacy Support: Co-planning, co-teaching, and instructional cycles tailored to foster literacy development.

  • GISD Support through PPSC and MTSS training.

Data-Driven Decision-Making with MSU Support
Through the Regional Assistance Grant, FCS leveraged federal funds (~$650,000 annually in 2023-24 and 2024-25) through the Michigan Department of Education to enhance data-driven instruction and capacity building:

  • MSU Data Coaching: Supported central office and school leaders in using scholarly data to align instructional goals with Partnership Agreement objectives.

  • Instructional Leadership Fellowship: Delivered six sessions to principals and central office administrators, focusing on attendance, literacy, math, and data-informed strategies.

  • Coaching: Providing targeted coaching and support to principals and central office administrators, aligning efforts with Partnership Agreement Goals in ELA, Math, and Attendance. Facilitate "Data All The Time" conversations to reinforce progress monitoring and drive continuous improvement.

Transformational Campus Upgrades
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other partners contributed to state-of-the-art renovations across FCS campuses, creating engaging, secure, and student-centered environments:

  1. Brownell/Holmes STEM Academy Campus:

    • Renovated early childhood wing and courtyards.

    • Developed new playgrounds, basketball courts, pickleball, and the community hub (“The Cube”).

    • Updated the football field, running track, and building façades.

  2. Potter Elementary Campus:

    • $11 million renovation featuring a modern learning environment with enhanced security and upgraded facilities.

    • Additions include a conference room, kitchen, principal’s office, two bathrooms, a new community engagement room, and renovating the auditorium for events with state-of-the-art equipment.

Looking Forward - Superintendent Kevelin Jones praised the district’s progress, stating, “These benchmarks demonstrate the extraordinary dedication of our scholars, staff, and community partners. Together, we are not only improving academic outcomes but also creating spaces where students feel inspired to learn and thrive.”

The district affirms the unwavering efforts of our staff who have worked diligently to implement practices that support these goals. Their commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation is instrumental in driving the positive changes Flint Community Schools see today.

As Flint Community Schools continues its Partnership Agreement, the district will remain focused on sustaining and scaling these efforts to ensure long-term success for its scholars and the broader community.

Press release link: https://5il.co/32zrz