What happens at the Institute?

Participants receive 60 hours of training over a three month period. Sessions are held on Fridays and Saturdays (one weekend per month, approximately four weeks between sessions).

Sessions are held in a "retreat" setting where comfortable lodging and delicious food are provided to all participants

Days 1-2

You will learn about...

• Learning styles and how people differ in the ways that they learn. You will learn how this can be applied to your student(s).
• Parent engagement and the importance of parental involvement.
• The Michigan Education Story and school data.

Days 3-4

You will learn about...

• Disaggregated data (MEAP scores).
• Tools for effective leadership and communication. Learn how to work together!

Days 5-6

You will learn about...

• How to take everything that you've learned and put your ideas into action!
• The steps you will take to create your project. The project is based on the academic need that you found in your school.

What will I learn from PLIN?

You will graduate as a PLIN Fellow with the skills necessary to effectively communicate with school administrators, educators and other parents.

We train participants to become empowered leaders, with a passion to improve the quality of education for all students.

You will leave the Institute prepared to begin your project, seek out necessary funding, and engage other parents in helping with the implementation and continuation of your project.

What types of projects do PLIN Fellows create?

Parents create their project based on an academic need found in the school of their choice. Parents are taught how to analyze disaggregated data (provided by MEAP scores) and from their research they determine where students need help academically.

PLIN Fellows are provided with a $250 mini-grant to help fund their project. Many Fellows seek additional funding through grants from outside sources.

A list of projects from the Pilot Institute can be found by clicking here.

What is a Community Support Coordinator?

A Community Support Coordinator (CSC) is a coach who provides support and guidance during the project planning process. The CSC works with the Fellow for two years and sees the project through to its implementation and beyond.

Who can participate in PLIN?

All participants must apply to participate in PLIN. Participants must have or had a student in a Michigan Public School. Participants may include parents, grandparents, guardians, family members, foster parents and any others with a parent role or connection to students in Michigan Public Schools.

Participants must demonstrate leadership potential and the desire to actively participate in a school.

A two year commitment to PLIN is necessary. A commitment to attend all PLIN Institutes is also required.

Participants must be willing to work with other parents and educators with the goal of improving the quality of education.

Applications are now being appected for our Winter 2008 Institute. The application can be found by clicking here.

Please contact us with any additional questions or concerns. We would be happy to help you!