| A new 'Opportunity' to boost MPS  Education reform is about providing opportunities for students, families and community members - that's the heart of the Milwaukee Opportunity Plan, a new proposal to bring innovative education ideas to Milwaukee  Public Schools that not only will benefit MPS, but schools across the state. The Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association and WEAC worked closely together to create the Milwaukee Opportunity Plan, a strategy to bring together all of the stakeholders who make up the MPS community to bring new changes and lasting impacts for students. Read more
And for much more on the Milwaukee Opportunity Plan, including frequently asked questions, links to news stories and other resources, visit WEAC's Web resource page on the Plan.
To take action on this and related topics, including the proposed mayoral takeover of MPS, log in to weac.org and use the WEAC Cyberlobby.
 Doyle touts general education reform ideas Governor Jim Doyle announced in a three-city push his general ideas for education reform. Doyle's comments come in reference to Wisconsin's anticipated application for some of the $4.35 billion in federal Race to the Top grants available from the Department of Education. Among his proposals, Doyle proposed changing state law to allow test scores to be used in teacher evaluation, a new system for tracking and sharing student data and longer school days and/or years.
WEAC President Mary Bell said, "Wisconsin has an opportunity to seize the moment to better position our state to receive federal grants to help fund public schools. We agree there are opportunities to improve our public schools and we want to be part of the solution." Read more Air quality bill moves along in Legislature The Assembly Education Committee approved a bill that puts an emphasis on improving school building air quality. Additionally, the Senate passed its version of the School Indoor Environmental Quality Bill. The bills will provide school districts with expertise and guidance from a state task force of diverse members that will develop recommendations for a model management plan for maintaining indoor environmental quality in schools. Read more Convention begins Thursday The state's premier professional development event for educators, the WEAC Convention, begins Thursday in Milwaukee. The Convention features lively sessions and expert speakers on various topics, ranging from classroom management to personal finance. It also has a lot of fun and laughs, with a performance by the musical comedy act Capitol Steps and a member reception at the Potawatomi Bingo and Casino. Read more and register
Use your WEAC Savers' Club card for special discounts in Milwaukee while you are at the Convention. Find out more Apply for school health awards Governor Jim Doyle and State Superintendent Tony Evers are encouraging Wisconsin schools to apply for the Governor's School Health Award, which recognizes schools that promote healthy eating, physical activity, drug-free lifestyles, parental involvement, and staff wellness.
Read about this and other events, professional development opportunities and classroom resources on the weac.org Educators' Bulletin Board. WEAC-Retired blog launched The new WEAC-Retired Blog is a great new platform to share information and ideas. Talk to us - and to each other - and tell us what you think, what you want, and share what you know. Join the Conversation | 
Kickoff Kid brings local spirit to Badgers game
Justin Biege of Janesville was the latest WEAC Kickoff Kid.
Kickoff Kids 
Educators embrace their artistic side
Milwaukee educators explored art at an in-service sponsored by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan and the Milwaukee-based Arts @ Large - a non-profit multidisciplinary arts education organization.
Share Your Photos
Milwaukee hosts Indian education conference
The 40th annual National Indian Education Association Conference was held this week in Milwaukee.
Share Your Photos
Help ward off the flu
Have you had your seasonal flu shot yet? Use our FluShotFinder online.
Find out more
"I got a D in health because I went to school with the sniffles."
Cartoon Corner
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