In This Issue:

Retail Training . . . . . . . .2

Newest M-TEC . . . . . . . .3

Hospitality Programs . . .3

E-Commerce Camp . . . .4

Williamston Success . . .5

Business Awards . . . . . .7

Salmon in theClassroom . . . . . . . . . . .9

November 2002Ca

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Nontraditional Career Choices Commended

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New Talent Bank Feature Multiplies Job Listings

Thirty-nine students fromacross the state were recog-nized at an awards ceremonyearlier this fall at the StateCapitol for choosing careersnontraditional for their genderand then inspiring others tofollow their example.

The Michigan Departmentof Career Development presented Breaking TraditionsAwards to young women whoplan to be diesel truckmechanics, cabinetmakers,and engineers, and to youngmen who have chosen careersin nursing and child care.

To be considered for anaward, students had to beenrolled in a Career andTechnical Education programnontraditional for theirgender during the 2001–2002school year; be nominated by a teacher or otherpersonnel employed at the

Continuous improvement is ahallmark of all quality customerservice efforts, and the MichiganTalent Bank (MTB) Web site foundat www.TalentFreeway.org is noexception. On September 30,the Employment Service Agencyin the Michigan Department ofCareer Development launched anenhancement to the MichiganTalent Bank that provides morethan 90,000 job listings in addition to the 30,000 alreadythere for job seekers to viewand consider.

These newest job listings areavailable through a contract withEmployOn, Inc., which usesspidering, parsing, and searching/matching technology to locatejobs in Michigan and neighboringstates posted on other InternetWeb sites. The job listings maycome from other popular jobboards such as Yahoo.com,government sites, or Michiganbusiness Web sites. In addition,EmployOn includes a SalaryCalculator feature that providesgeneral salary information byoccupation and years of experi-ence for major cities throughoutthe U.S.

The Breaking Traditions Award winners posed on the Capitol steps.

To take advantage of the newfeature, job seekers must firstsearch for job openings listeddirectly in the MTB. They arethen given the option of conduc-ting a new search in the MTB forjob openings or searching for jobsin EmployOn.

Job seekers are given generalinformation about EmployOn andare reminded that certain MTBfeatures, such as the automaticresume e-mail and Job Scout, arenot available when doing theEmployOn job search. Jobseekers are also told that the Stateof Michigan is not responsible forthe content, accuracy, and timeli-ness of jobs posted on EmployOn.Job seekers, however, are encour-aged to use the MTB Web site e-mail (Contact Us) to report anyinappropriate job listings.

Job seekers who elect tosearch EmployOn’s job listings donot leave the actual MTB Website; they access this additionaljob information through pop-upscreens/Web pages that overlaythe MTB Web pages. TheEmployOn job search feature wascustomized for Michigan so that it

school or community college;and have a satisfactoryacademic record.

In addition, qualifyingstudents had to have made acontribution to the awarenessof nontraditional careers.

For a list of the award

winners, go to

www.michigan.gov/mdcd

has the same look and feel as theMichigan Talent Bank and is thor-oughly integrated into the state’slabor exchange system.

Please visit the MTB and try outthe new features. For assistance oradditional information, call theMTB Customer Help Line at 1-888-253-6855, Monday through Friday,8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A new administration willmean many changes, but it willalso signify a new beginning withnew possibilities and opportunities.

God speed, and good luck inyour future endeavors.

have spent the lastfew months focusingattention on thecareer development

system and the tremendoussuccesses that are now evidentas a result of that system. Iknow that many of you haveundertaken the task of educatingincoming legislators and othersabout these successes.

I am confident that, becauseof your enthusiasm and pride inwhat you have accomplishedover the last three years inparticular, the system willcontinue—although perhaps notin its present form. The modelof state leadership with stronglocal control will be hard todestroy because we know thatyour work has helped Michigan-ians from all walks of life, andthat our customers have come toexpect high levels of service.

Personally, I am most gratified that there is so muchevidence that Governor Engler’svision has been successfullyimplemented. I have enjoyedbeing his ambassador in thisimplementation, and I am gladthat Michigan is now considered

November 20022

The Director’s ColumnDr. Barbara Bolin

Ithe national leader in careerdevelopment.

Our road to success has notalways been easy, but I thankyou for your persistence, coop-eration, and dedication to yourcustomers. I am thrilled thatnew, strong relationships havebeen forged over the last threeyears, and that communicationis productive and frequentamong groups and individualswho were previously notworking together. Keep up thegood work!

As I move into the nextexciting phase of my life, I willcontinue to work, on nationaland local fronts, toward the acceptance of the Michiganmodel for career development asthe logical, common senseapproach that will guarantee oureconomic vitality and security.

I have adopted Michigan asmy home, so I hope that mypath will cross yours in thefuture. I have enjoyed the workwe have done together, and Ithank you for your help,support, and friendship.

MDCD Director Barbara Bolin

Retail Marketing Training Offered at MCTIA new training program inRetail Marketing is beingoffered this fall at the Michi-gan Career and TechnicalInstitute (MCTI) near Plainwell.

“Our business advisorygroup members recommendedthis new program based onindustry need,” said MCTIDirector Dennis Hart. “Theyhave worked closely with ourstaff in helping to design acurriculum that will enable ourgraduates to step right intoretail business opportunities.”

MCTI’s Retail Marketingprogram offers students achoice of three career options.The two-term SalesClerk/Cashier course consistsof hands-on training in theschool store as well as workingin co-op positions in the

community. The learningfocus is on customer serviceas well as effective listeningand speaking skills, positiveteam-building behaviors, andproblem-solving and decision-making skills.

The three-term NationalCertified Retail Salespersoncourse provides instruction inproducts and service,assessing customer needs,educating the customer,meeting customer needs,preparing for selling, andclosing the sale. There is alsoa focus on developing andimplementing a sales follow-up plan.

Also requiring three terms,the Team Leader/Supervisorcourse prepares students forsupervisory positions.

Students learn managerialskills and help instructorssupervise first- and second-term students.

Located on the shores ofPine Lake in Barry County,MCTI offers free tuition androom and board in the dormi-tory for Michigan residentswith disabilities. The school isoperated by the MichiganDepartment of CareerDevelopment.

For more information aboutthe Retail Marketing programor other training programs atMCTI, contact Kelley Blodgertoll free at 1-877-901-7360(voice/TTY).

he state’s newestMichigan TechnicalEducation Center(M-TEC), operated

by Grand Rapids CommunityCollege, officially opened tostudents September 4, bringingto 17 the number of M-TECs inMichigan.

The $13.3 million facility,called the Tassell M-TEC, offershands-on technical training inmanufacturing and production,automobile repair, and construc-tion trades. Approximately 1,000students have enrolled this fallsemester for credit and non-credit courses.

“Local businesses today aredemanding more highly skilledworkers,” said GRCC PresidentJuan Olivarez. “With the helpof the state and special,committed community partners,Grand Rapids CommunityCollege is proud to meet thisneed with the opening of theTassell M-TEC.”

Technology

November 2002 3

Newest M-TEC Opens in Grand Rapids

TNamed in honor of local

businessman Leslie E. Tassell*,who donated $1.5 million to theproject, this is GRCC’s secondM-TEC serving West Michigan.

“I’m proud to be able tosupport GRCC and its commit-ment to workforce develop-ment,” said Tassell. “We mustcontinue to invest in opportuni-ties that will help local men andwomen remain competitive inthe workforce by providingthem with the technical skillsneeded by employers—skillsthat allow them to earn a decentwage and improve their ownlives and the futures of theirfamilies. This M-TEC is a stepin that direction.”

The Tassell M-TEC will alsobe used by a number of localorganizations. The Kent CareerTechnical Center will offermasonry classes at the M-TECfor local high school students.The Kent/Allegan WorkforceDevelopment Board will have a

satellite Michigan Works!office at the new building; andGrand Rapids Public Schoolswill use the space to offer aGED certification program inEnglish and Spanish.Associated Builders andContractors will also have stafflocated at the M-TEC to supportapprentices and employers.*See related article on page 11.

Grand Rapids businessman Leslie E. Tassell, for whom the new Tassell M-TEC isnamed, cuts the ribbon at the dedication ceremony August 28.

Flexibility Is Hallmark of Hospitality ProgramsFerris State University has longbeen recognized for its emphasison career education, with well-structured, hands-on learningexperiences and strong relation-ships with employers. With a 95percent job placement rate andaverage starting salaries up to$36,000, the university’s Hospi-tality programs are among themost successful.

Flexibility is one of the keyfeatures. Three different degreeoptions are available as well asminors and certificates. Studentsmay enter directly into the asso-ciate’s degree program inRestaurant & Food IndustryManagement (RFIM) or enrolldirectly into the Resort Manage-ment Bachelor of Sciencedegree program and chooseamong five areas of concentra-tion. Also, students with anassociate’s degree may transferinto the Bachelor of Sciencedegree program in HotelManagement.

All of Ferris’s hospitalityprograms focus on practical

application through lab courses,conferences, guest speakers,field trips, and observations.Students work throughout theschool year planning andexecuting an annual fundraisinggala dinner event. In addition,RFIM students operate a restau-rant as part of their coursework.

Paid internships are requiredin all degree paths, and studentstypically work in places such asDisney World; Hilton HeadIsland, South Carolina; and Vail,Colorado. A number of interna-tional internships are availableevery year with the U. S. Navy.There is also an establishedexchange opportunity withseveral international colleges.

Ferris State’s Hospitalityprograms have articulationagreements for high schoolfood service career students aswell as marketing and tourismcareer students. By meeting thearticulation requirements,students may earn up to ninecredit hours. Many studentstransferring from Michigan’s

communitycollegesdirectly intothe Hotelprogram arecovered byarticulationagreements.Nontraditionalstudents withindustry expe-rience have anopportunity toearn up to 12credit hours.

Manynational andregional scholarships areawarded for Hospitalitystudents. Also, $1,000 scholar-ships are available for incomingDECA, SkillsUSA, and commu-nity college transfer students.

For more information onFerris Hospitality programs, log onto www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/business/hospitality/index.chm, or contact AnthonyAgbeh at 1-800-4FERRIS, ext.2382, or agbeha@ferris.edu.

Ferris Hospitality program students may travel interna-tionally for their internships, as these five students did.L to R, Michael Searing, to Iceland; Brandon Cory, toJapan; Julie Doyle, professor/internship coordinator;

Sarah Bennett, to Italy; KaryAnn Waukazoo, to Bahrain;and Saul Monarez, to Japan.

rovia Evansconceded that if hehadn’t participated inWayne State

University’s E-CommerceSummer Camp, he would havepassed his summer vacation days“hanging out,” probably playingbasketball. Instead, the 16-year-old Northern High Schoolstudent got a hands-on introduc-tion to technology and businessas well as a first-hand look at thevirtues of higher education.

The WSU School of Busi-ness Administration presentedthe 10-week program in conjunction with the DetroitPublic Schools and the busi-ness community.

Evans and 26 other studentsfrom seven Detroit public highschools—Cass Technical,Martin Luther King, Jr.,Murray-Wright, Northern,Northwestern, Pershing, andWestern—spent their morningsas “e-commerce campers” onthe WSU campus, taking part inlectures and hands-on classesthat focused on technical, busi-ness, and behavioral skilldevelopment. In the afternoon,they participated in paid intern-ships at various companies andorganizations in the Detroitarea, including WSU, Ford

Career Preparation

November 20024

E-Commerce “Campers” Link with Businesses

BMotor Co., theDetroit FreePress, Budco,Crain Commun-ications, Inc.,the City ofDetroit,TechnicalSoftwareConsulting, and Vision IT.

JaneseRoberson, 17,completed herinternship atWSU’s Divisionof Computingand InformationTechnology.Among other projects, shehelped with Web site develop-ment for Campus Pipeline, aWeb-based communication toolthat links faculty and students.

Soledad Hernandez, 17,worked at the Detroit FreePress—helping with computer-based projects that the staffhadn’t been able to get to, suchas cataloging books. She also hadthe opportunity to sit in on meet-ings as the editors planned thenext day’s newspaper content.

Thomas Anderson, associatedean at the School of BusinessAdministration and director of

the camp, purposely targeted theAfrican-American and Latinocommunities. “We wanted toattract more people into a post-secondary education stream thatinvolved technology,” heexplained. “And, of course, thesecond charge was to diversify,and we are committed toworking with the minoritycommunity to achieve that.”

This is the second year thecamp has been offered. Lastyear’s 25 graduates have nowcompleted high school, and allof them have gone on to post-secondary educational programs,Anderson said.

Hispanic Awards Recognize Community WorkOne of the highlights of HispanicHeritage Month—September 15through October 15—is theAwards and Scholarship Dinnersponsored by the Hispanic Legis-lative Caucus. This year’s event,held September 25 in Lansing,honored seven individuals fortheir community achievements:

The Outstanding HispanicArts Award was given toAndrea Lazano of Clarkston,owner of the “Art of Living”art gallery in Lake Orion. Shevolunteers at public schools,where she shares her vastknowledge of Hispanic culture.

Enrique y Consuelo Ayalaof Wyoming were honoredwith the Outstanding Hispanic/Business/Economic Develop-

ment Award for establishingthe first “Super Mercado” forarea Hispanic residents.

Miguel Angel Osorio,owner of a grocery store andrestaurant in Traverse City,was given the OutstandingHispanic Advocate/Civic DutyAward for serving as a translator, provider to thehungry, and bus driver whenhis neighbors need transpor-tation.

The Outstanding HispanicEducator Award was presentedto Dr. Miguel De La Torre,a member of the Hope Collegefaculty, for numerous achieve-ments, including his writing aregular column for TheHolland Sentinel.

John Paul Torres of AuburnHills was given the OutstandingHispanic Youth Leadership Awardfor inspiring inner-city youth togo to college and for organizing ayouth leadership program.

The Outstanding HispanicLifetime Achievement Award waspresented to Lupita Reyes ofHolland for achievements in theareas of interpreting, fair housing,and Hispanic radio broadcasting.

In addition, five Hispanichigh school students fromacross the state were awardedcollege scholarships. They areSan Juana Olivares of Flint,Jessica Gomez of Lansing,Efrain Munoz of Holland,Vanessa Leal of Saginaw, andDiana Vargas of Holland.

E-Commerce graduates Matthew Brooks, Tanisha Weatherly,and Rebecca Means; Lisa Hamway with SBC Ameritech-Michigan; E-Commerce graduate Anthony Chambers; and

Harvey Kahalas, dean, WSU School of Business Administration.SBC Ameritech-Michigan, Ford Motor Co., and the

Thompson-McCully Foundation were major donors to the camp.

tudents at William-ston CommunitySchools have provedconvincingly that

Michigan’s Career PreparationSystem benefits both studentsand teachers. “The changes that have taken place inWilliamston Community Schoolsas a result of the district’ssuccessful implementation of itsCareer Connections initiativeare impressive and worthsharing,” said Dr. Barbara Bolin,director of the Michigan Depart-ment of Career Development.

The Career Connectionsinitiative is the school district’sapproach to presenting informa-tion to its students about CareerPathways, the “flagship” inMichigan’s Career PreparationSystem. The six CareerPathways are broad groupingsof careers that share similarcharacteristics and whoseemployment requirements callfor many common interests,strengths, and competencies.

These groupings helpstudents see the relevancebetween their selected schoolcourses, interests, and abilitiesand their future goals. The sixCareer Pathways are: arts andcommunication; business,

management, marketing, andtechnology; engineering/manu-facturing and industrial tech-nology; health sciences; humanservices; and natural resourcesand agriscience.

“Our focus is on helping ourstudents make a successful transi-tion into the world beyond theclassroom,” said Dr. Gerald L.Stinnett, superintendent ofWilliamston Community Schools.“Our teachers design and deliverlessons that are purposeful andhave connections to real-lifeexperiences, and our studentslearn how their school work

Career Preparation

November 2002 5

Williamston Finds Successes in Wake ofCareer Pathways Implementation

S applies to real-life careers andchallenges.”

So successful hasWilliamston CommunitySchools been in implementingits initiative that it was the firstschool district in InghamCounty to be identified by theCareer Connections Board (theEAG for Clinton, Eaton, andIngham counties) as a“Lighthouse District” for itsprogress and achievements inhelping students feel a real-world connection to the lessonsthey learn in school.

A recent review of theeffects of the implementation ofthe Career Connections initia-tive on dropout rates, studentachievement, discipline, anddaily attendance in WilliamstonHigh School also found goodresults. For example, highschool dropout rates declinedfrom 5.30 percent in the1997–1998 school year to onepercent in the 2001–2002academic year. In addition,grade point averages for ninthgrade students at the schoolincreased from 2.91 in the1999–2000 school year to 3.04in the 2001–2002 year.

Another impressive

improvement was recorded inaverage daily attendance atWilliamston High School. It increased from 89 percentduring the 1999–2000 schoolyear, when the curriculum wasbased on traditional classes, to 96 percent during the2001–2002 school year, whencontextual learning classeswere implemented.

Contextual learning classesare problem-based, designed tohelp students identify aproblem and determine how toresolve it. “They help studentsmake the connection to the

world beyond the classroom,and for many of them, theyignite interest in a particularcareer,” Dr. Stinnett said.

The emphasis on makingcareer connections also has hada positive effect on teachersthroughout WilliamstonCommunity Schools. In 1998, agreat percentage of teachersdistrict-wide had no work expe-rience outside of education. Bythis year, however, 70 percentof teachers throughout thedistrict have had summer externexperience in business/industry.This has enabled them to bringpersonal experience working indifferent careers to what theyteach in their classrooms.

“What has been takingplace in WilliamstonCommunity Schools is impor-tant to the entire state,” Bolinsaid. “Effective career prepa-ration instruction in Michiganschools helps individualstudents prepare for rewardingcareers, which helps lead tosuccessful economic develop-ment. That is absolutely essen-tial if Michigan’s economy isto continue to thrive in today’shighly competitive globaleconomy.”

Williamston High School ninth graders Mariesa Hilty, Scotty McLane, andRachel Coates-Jorgensen learn that international relations are an integral

part of many different careers.

“Our focus is on helping our studentsmake a successful transition into theworld beyond the classroom.”

— Dr. Gerald L. Stinnett

ife couldn’t getmuch better for RaySpain, or so hethought, until the

102-year old paper company inAlpena that employed him formore than 10 years suddenly andwithout warning closed its doorsforever, idling 220 people.

At age 40, Spain wasenjoying his life and his job asbacktender, making high-quality paper from wood chipsand water. He was halfwaytoward a decent retirement, his401(k) getting fat, when it allcame to a crashing end.Suddenly, he was out of a jobwith slim employmentprospects in a region hit hardby an economy in recession.

What next? The only thinghe knew for certain was that hewould stay in Alpena, where heand wife, Kristen, grew up andwhere they intended to continueraising their daughter, Bailey, 15.

The future looked bleak.With little training or formaleducation on his resume, howwould he earn a living?

“I was freaked out.Completely frazzled. Iremember thinking, ‘What is itthat I do now?’” Spain recalledin a recent interview. “I mean,there I was, laid off. Not fired.What do they call it?Displaced? Abandoned?”

And scared. For a year,Spain researched the job marketin an effort that eventually tookhim to Michigan Works!,hoping to find a direction. Hedid, and things began happen-ing pretty fast.

Technology

November 20026

Things Happen Fast at Kirtland-Gaylord M-TEC

L“Michigan

Works! wasgreat. Theysaid, ‘There’sa center overthere inGaylordthat’s reallygoing to helpyou guys,’”Spainrecalled. Sohe made thetrip—68miles one wayfrom his home to the new $5.3million M-TEC at Kirtland-Gaylord, which opened its doorsin January, 2002. And he’s beenmaking it nearly every daysince as one of the center’s firstfull-time students.

He’s studying electricaltheory, intending to get acertificate that will enable himto begin work as an electri-cian’s apprentice.

“With the availability ofelectrical jobs in my area, youcan just about write your ownticket,” Spain said. “But Ineeded the training to be ableto write mine. I talked to abunch of electrical companies.They all wanted somebody whowas already trained. And theydidn’t want to train you. Myproblem was how do I get fromPoint A to Point B?”

He got that questionanswered in a few minutes byGail Westmoreland, adminis-trative assistant to provostKatherine Nemeth at the M-TEC at Kirtland-Gaylord.“Gail said, ‘No problem. We can help,’” Spain said.“She explained all thedifferent programs and askedwhich one would be best for me.”

He chose the certificatecourse in electrical theory,which he figured to completein about a year, and he hasn’tlooked back since. “I love thisplace,” Spain says of the M-TEC at Kirtland-Gaylord.“It’s changed my life. I wentfrom despair to heading towarda brand new career.“

He hopes to be done byJanuary, but already he’s beensniffing job opportunities in theAlpena area. “I’ve alreadytalked to several differentemployers. One of the localelectrical companies was inter-ested, but said I had to betrained. I told them I wasenrolled here at the M-TEC.They said, ‘Whoa, that’s goodenough for us.’ So I know I’mbecoming very employable. It’sworking exactly as it’ssupposed to work.”

Spain describes himself as anaverage student. “I’m not firstin my class, but I’m not lasteither. The nice thing about it isyou go at your own pace. We alllearn at different speeds. I’ll tellyou this: I’ve never seenanybody quit. They don’t quit.It’s a good deal. You learn.”

“I was a little scared at first.I hadn’t been in school formore than 20 years. But I justjumped right in and I liked it. I liked the people, the facility,the instructors. The instructorshere are just awesome.”

Spain knows his certificatewill open the door to an opportu-nity as an electrician’s appren-tice, a 4,000-hour on-the-jobtraining program that will earnhim his journeyman’s card.

“I’ll go to work and keepjamming money into our 401(k),”he said. “But I’ll definitelycontinue on to get my associate’sdegree, too. In fact, whoever myemployer is, that will be one ofthe conditions—they’ll have tolet me continue going to school.There’s a lot more I hope to getout of this place.”

ive Michiganianswere honored at theFirst Annual SmallBusiness Recog-

nition Awards Banquet heldAugust 23 in Lansing.

The event was sponsored byMichigan RehabilitationServices, a division of theMichigan Department of CareerDevelopment, to recognizeindividuals who have played animportant role in promotingsmall business ownership bypeople with disabilities.

A highlight of the banquetwas the announcement of thefirst Small BusinessDevelopment LifetimeAchievement Award, named theHeidi Van Arnem Award.

Ms. Van Arnem, who diedin November 2001, was a noteddisability advocate whofounded iCan! Inc., considered

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Rehabilitation Agency Sponsors First Annual Small Business Awards Program

Classification System for Businesses ChangesThe North American IndustryClassification System (NAICS)has replaced the StandardIndustrial Classification (SIC)system—the system used to classify data about industries or kinds of businesses in oureconomy.

The SIC system was devel-oped in the 1930’s, when manu-facturing was the dominantindustry in the U.S. economy.Over the last 60 years, therehave been numerous revisionsto the SIC system, reflectingthe changes in the nation’sindustrial economic structure.Despite the revisions, the SICsystem was not adequatelyequipped to manage the rapidchanges in the U.S. economy.

NAICS was developedjointly by the United States,Canada, and Mexico to providea new comparability in statisticsabout business activity acrossNorth America. It representsone of the most profoundchanges for statistical programsfocusing on emerging economicactivities. NAICS uses a produc-

tion-based approach, groupingestablishments into industriesbased on the activity in whichthey are primarily engaged.Establishments that do similarthings in similar ways are classified together.

NAICS uses a six-digit hier-archical coding system to clas-sify all economic activity into20 industry sectors, representingover 1,170 industries, comparedto the ten-industry division,four-digit SIC structure whichcomprised 1,004 industries.

The new six-digit hierarchicalstructure allows greater codingflexibility than the four-digitstructure of the SIC. However,the improved statistics arrivingfrom the NAICS structure willresult in time-series breaks.Every economic sector has beenaffected by the SIC to NAICSconversion. Manufacturing isrestructured to recognize newhigh-tech industries. A new sub-sector is devoted to computersand electronics, including repro-duction of software. RetailTrade is redefined. Eating and

drinking places are transferredfrom Retail Trade to a newAccommodation and FoodServices sector. A newInformation sector combinescommunications, publishing,motion picture and soundrecording, and online serv-ices, recognizing our informa-tion-based economy. Ninenew service sectors and 250new service industries arealso recognized.

During the past four years,the Office of Labor MarketInformation in the EmploymentService Agency, MichiganDepartment of Career Develop-ment, has successfullyconverted its employer data-base under a contractual agree-ment with the U.S. Departmentof Labor. This effort involvedthe review, assignment, andconversion of approximately260,000 employer establish-ments from SIC to NAICS. Formore information, log onto theOffice of Labor MarketInformation Web site atwww.TalentFreeway.org.

the leading information andcommunications gateway forpeople with disabilities. Shealso wrote a disability columnfor The Detroit News and wasthe recipient of many nationalawards. Ms. Van Arnem’sfamily accepted the award onher behalf.

Also receiving awards:

Carol Lopucki, statedirector of the MichiganNetwork of Small BusinessDevelopment Centers in GrandRapids, was presented with theSmall Business ResourceAward.

Deb Farrell, an occupa-tional therapist with MichiganRehabilitation Services inLansing, received the SmallBusiness Service Award.

Zachary Mercer, owner ofSubway stores in Lake City,

Manton, andEvart, waspresented with theSmall Business ofthe Year Award.

JackWunderlich, abusiness servicesrepresentative withMichiganRehabilitationServices inTraverse City,recently retired,received the SmallBusiness Championof the Year Award.

For moreinformation onsmall businessownership bypersons withdisabilities,contact James Bunton at (517) 373-8297.

Carol Lopucki, winner of the Small BusinessResource Award, and Robert E. Davis, statedirector of Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

killed workers areneeded to fill jobsin technology-intense environ-ments such as

manufacturing, construction,and information technology. To help workers acquire theseskills, the Michigan EconomicDevelopment Corporation,Michigan Community CollegeAssociation, Michigan Centerfor Career and TechnicalEducation (MCCTE), andLansing Community Collegehave teamed up to produce anddeliver over 125 open-entry/open-exit trainingmodules on a new Web sitecalled Michigan Skills TrainingCurriculum Database (MIST).

The MIST Web site(www.mistcuriculum.org)contains standards-basedmodules of instruction designedto provide high-technologyeducational opportunities forworkers or potential workers inhigh-demand fields. Themodules are targeted at partic-ular content areas, such as

MC

CTE

November 20028

SMIST Site Offers Training for High-Tech Jobs

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Co-curricular Activities; APathway to Careers By Ferguson Publishing Co.Call Number: CAP 00.0000 0435

Studies show that studentsinvolved in extracurricularactivities go on to succeed.They have higher GPAs, highertest scores, a lower risk fordropping out of school, and agreater chance of attendingcollege. Plus, activities such ascommunity service, club mem-bership, and participation insports provide valuable experi-ence, teach important personalskills like teamwork, and canhelp students explore and preparefor careers. 256 pp. 2001.

A Teenager’s Guide to theWorkplace By Karen HindsCall Number: CAP 00.0000 0434

Karen Hinds helps teenagerswith every aspect of the work-place. Her guide is easy to readand helps teenagers interview

with confidence, perfect interper-sonal skills, dress for work on abudget, keep customers happy,and manage checkbooks andcredit cards. 115 pp. 2001.

Enriching Curriculum for All Students By Joseph S. RenzulliCall Number: TE 00.0000 704

This book is a practical,research-based guide and set ofstrategies for educational decisionmakers who are serious abouttransforming the quality of edu-cation in their schools. It not onlyrespects the daily realities of aschool’s structure, it alsoempowers teacher-leaders andteachers to integrate higher-orderthinking skills and a broad rangeof learning experiences intoinstructional practice. The bookoffers a dynamic approach toschool improvement by creatingdifferentiated and enrichinglearning opportunities for allstudents. 178 pp. 2001.

Teaching in the Cyberage;Linking the Internet andBrain TheoryBy Kristen NelsonCall Number: TE 00.0000 702

This book analyzes howInternet projects reflect andcan be applied to brain-compa-tible learning. Explore how todevelop lessons that help stu-dents build skills in three vitalareas: interpersonal exchangeskills, information gatheringand analysis skills, and ques-tioning and problem-solvingskills. This book supplieslessons for grades 4 through12—fully developed and class-room-ready. 173 pp. 2001.

To borrow these or othertitles, contact JackieHohenstein at 1-800-292-1606,ext. 5.

computer-assisted design(CAD), e-commerce, informa-tion technology, machiningtechnology, and statisticalprocess control.

Developed and hosted byMCCTE, the MIST databasefeatures pull-down menus anduses graphics, interactive simu-lations, audio, and video tomake commonly found work-place examples come alive forthe user.

The title of and descriptivesummary for each module areavailable at www.mistcurricu-lum.org/moduleTitles.cfm. Thisdatabase allows registered usersto identify online open-entry,open-exit curriculum modulesavailable in specific contentareas. This database alsoincludes module informationsuch as title, description, goals,outcomes (correlated toaccepted skill standards),completion time, recommendedprerequisite knowledge andskills, and computer-basedhardware and software require-

ments for registered users.

The strength of the Web siteis that the module index isentirely searchable for regis-tered users, which means theycan search by content area,module title, module descrip-tion, NIMS skill standard,learning outcome, and keyword. For example, a studentwishing to learn about comput-erized-numerical controlsystems for advanced metalworking need only enter theterm CNC in the keywordsearch box, and he or she willbe directed to the appropriatemodules.

Links to each of Michigan’s28 participating communitycolleges are available atwww.mistcurriculum.org/MapCCs.cfm. Many ofMichigan’s communitycolleges plan to offer for-creditcourses using the modules asthe primary delivery system.

Check Out MCCTE’s Latest Library Acquisitions

n June of 2002, stafffrom the MichiganCenter for Careerand Technical

Education (MCCTE) journeyedto Cedarville, Michigan, to takepart in the release of Chinooksalmon smolt. The release wasthe culmination of a nine-monthprogram called Salmon in theClassroom.

Using aquarium nets, threestudents from Kathy Tassier’sfifth grade class scooped up thelast few salmon smolt fromtheir 55-gallon home andplaced them in a small transportcontainer. This would be thelast human-assisted journey forthese three-inch long salmonprior to their release into theCarp River. This location,proximate to Les CheneauxIslands, will become thespawning site for these Chinooksalmon after spending the nexttwo years in Lake Huron.

Release day is a big event atLes Cheneaux ElementarySchool. Students in Tassier’sfifth grade class have shared theresponsibility for rearing thesehealthy salmon for the past ninemonths. The project has receivedthe highest recognition from the

State of Michigan as one of onlytwo elementary school programsto receive the covetedGovernor’s Excellence inPractice Award. Les CheneauxElementary School received theaward last January at the 2002Governor’s Conference onCareer Development.

The project begins eachyear in October when fertil-ized salmon eggs are collectedfrom the Rose City DNRfacility. As part of the project,students view a video of thefertilization process. The eggshatch and are reared in twolarge aquariums maintained inTassier’s classroom throughoutthe school year.

Salmon Project Helps Students Become “Stewards of the Land”

MCCTE

November 2002 9

IStudents participate in a

hatching estimation contestusing statistical principles.They learn about the lifecycleof the salmon as they watchthem grow from newly hatchedfish to three-inch-long smolt,ready for release. Students alsoshare responsibilities for caringfor the fish during the almostnine-month project. “It is neatto raise the salmon and see howthey grow up,” said studentAlice Coyne, who wants to be aveterinarian.

The students begin settingup the tanks in September sothat they are ready for thearrival of the fertilized eggs inOctober. Maintaining theproper environment is criticalto survival of the fish. KarleySmith, one of the fifth gradersselected to capture the fishprior to transport to the releasesite, pointed out the specialaquarium “chillers’ that main-tain a constant water tempera-ture within a range of 40–50degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Tassier, theenvironment is a main focus ofthis program that addresses theimpact on salmon populationsby factors such as pollution,

farm pesticides, and clearcutting. “This program encour-ages kids to take an interest inbeing good stewards of theland. With so many localparents involved in the tourismindustry, stewardship of naturalresources contributes directly tothe livelihood of many familiesin this area,” Tassier said.

Science, mathematics, andlanguage arts are also inte-grated into the program. “This is not just a scienceproject; it also integratesreading, writing, and mathe-matics,” Tassier said. In addi-tion, the Michigan Departmentof Career Development hascredited the program for a

dramatic increase in parentaland community involvementover the past three years.

According to EricCardwell, school principal, thesalmon program is a partner-ship among Les CheneauxElementary School, theMichigan Department ofNatural Resources, theInterTribal FisheriesAssessment Program of theChippewa-Ottawa ResourceAuthority, and the environ-mental group Islands Wildlife.

The program was started atLes Cheneaux in 1999 and ismodeled after similar projectssuccessfully implemented in Alaska, California, Oregon,and Washington. Using theprogram implemented at LesCheneaux Elementary School,the Michigan Department ofNatural Resources and theMichigan Department ofEducation are developing acurriculum for use in otherschools in Michigan. For moreinformation, contact KathyTassier at ktassier@eup.k12.mi.us or (906) 484-2256.

Alice Coyne with several salmon smolt.

“It is neat to raise the salmon and seehow they grow up.”

— Fifth grader Alice Coyne

Scot

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tlett

phot

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andra Conley,owner of Sandra’sBaked Goods inDetroit, was pre-

sented with an EntrepreneurialSpirit Award by the DetroitEntrepreneurship Institute(DEI) earlier this year for the

success she has achieved as asmall business owner.

She is the first personwith a disability to receivethis award.

Conley was assisted inher quest to develop asmall business by DeborahRhynes, her counselor with

Michigan RehabilitationServices, a division of the

Michigan Department ofCareer Development. Conleyalso credits her involvement asa student at DEI.

Small Business

November 200210

Sandra Conley

Hats Off to Exceptional People

SShe first heard of the insti-

tute when Phyllis Green, funddevelopment specialist, gave apresentation on business start-ups in 1999. “Out of the 20people in the room, I knewimmediately that Sandra wouldbe the one who would comethrough our course, she was sodetermined,” Green said.

Conley graduated from DEIin June 2000 and decided todevelop Sandra’s Baked Goods.“I spent one year out of work,the longest year of my life,trying to decide what I coulddo well,” she said.

She recalled how much sheloved making cookies as achild and selling packagedcookies as a Girl Scout. Sheresearched how to bake quanti-ties of cookies, how to freeze

them without losing flavor, andhow to partner with caterersand other businesses toincrease sales.

She produces mouth-watering oatmeal raisin, choco-late chip, peanut butter, andtoffee crunch cookies. She canbake up to 3,000 cookies—orjust three—to maintain hergrowing customer base. Herclients have included Compu-ware, Bing Steel, and DEI.

A role model for otherswishing to start their own busi-nesses, Conley gave thekeynote address at the FirstAnnual Small BusinessRecognition Awards Banquetsponsored in August byMichigan RehabilitationServices (see article on page 7).

2003 Governor’s ConferenceFocuses on Closing Skills Gap

Michigan’s premier career development confer-ence is a little more than two months away, soregister now at www.michigan.gov/mdcd!

The 2003 Governor’s Conference on CareerDevelopment will be held February 3–5 at theAmway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids,with speakers, awards, exhibits, and studentpresentations illuminating the theme, “Meetingthe Competitive Challenge: Skills for the 21stCentury.”

Keynote speakers will be Ed Barlow,president of Creating the Future, Inc., anorganization dedicated to trend-spotting andstrategic planning facilitation; and Dr. IsaiahMcKinnon, former chief of police for theCity of Detroit, who taps into his more than35 years of experience in the public andprivate sectors, law enforcement, and privatesecurity to educate and inspire.

A unique feature of the conference will be anoontime presentation by students and teacherswho participated in the FIRST LEGO LeagueChallenge, City Sights! 2002. Following the

luncheon, conferenceattendees will have achance to experience theChallenge in a step-by-step, hands-on demonstra-tion with the FIRST LEGO League teammembers.

Conference attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about GEAR UP! Michigan,a new federally funded program operating in anumber of Michigan school districts to helplow-income students prepare to enter and succeedin postsecondary education.

The Third Annual Governor’s Excellence inPractice Awards will be presented at theopening session of the conference. These presti-gious awards recognize successful, sustainedpractices and programs in which educators andemployers collaborate to prepare students forcareers.

For more information, call 1-866-MY-GOALS(toll free, voice/TTY).

modular assemblies, and exte-rior lighting has expanded to a$220 million company withmore than 1,500 employees.

In 1999, Tassell sold Lescoato Meridian AutomotiveSystems and made sure hisworkers received bonuses fromhis profits.

Now retired, he divides histime between homes inCascade Township and theFlorida Keys. At age 94, hecontinues to devote a few hoursa day at the office.

His family—two children,six grandchildren, 16 greatgrandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren—is verysupportive of Tassell’s effortsto improve educational facili-ties in the Grand Rapids area.His seven-year-old great grand-daughter even made a personaldonation to the M-TEC capitalcampaign from her own bank.

he state’s newestMichigan Tech-nical EducationCenter, the Leslie

E. Tassell M-TEC in GrandRapids, was named in honor ofbusinessman and major donorLeslie E. Tassell.

Tassell is a philan-thropic leader in theGrand Rapidscommunity whohas made largecontributions tobuild theeducationalresources ofWest Michi-gan. A self-made man inevery respect,he has builtincredible successfrom humblebeginnings.

His family emigratedfrom Europe to Canada when

Philanthropy

November 2002 11

Leslie Tassell

Who Bring Honor to Michigan

T

Richard Kryza

Tassell was a child. By the timehe was 15, his family had movedto the United States and he wasalready learning the tool-and-dietrade by sharpening saw bladesand running errands.

During the economicboom after World War

II, Tassell and apartner invested in

a machine-and-tool company.In 1958,Tassell openedthe LeslieMetal ArtsCompany on150 acres ofland at 32ndStreet and

SchafferAvenue in

Grand Rapids.Known today as

Lescoa, the majorsupplier of interior

decorative components,

Richard Kryza, a MichiganDepartment of Career Develop-ment veterans’ employmentrepresentative in Saginaw, hasbeen named Local Veterans’Employment Representative ofthe Year by the DisabledAmerican Veterans (DAV). Heaccepted the award in August atDAV’s national convention inDallas.

“These awards recognizethose men and women whosededication provides employ-ment opportunities to thosewho have earned them throughservice to our nation,” saidDAV National CommanderGeorge H. Steese. “Mr. Kryzais a shining example of whatindividuals can achieve insupport of disabled veterans.”

As a veterans’ employmentrepresentative at the MichiganWorks! Service Center in Sagi-

naw, Kryza communicateswith local employers on behalfof veterans and raises aware-ness of veteran employmentissues within the local busi-ness community.

“Around here, to care is todo,” Kryza said. “We take thetime to listen to every veteranwho comes through the door.”

A graduate of TheUniversity of Michigan and aSpecial Disabled VietnamVeteran, Kryza has receivednumerous state awards fromthe Veterans of Foreign Wars,American Legion, and DAVover the years.

He helped organize morethan 15 job fairs for veteransin the last ten years and wasa captain for the MichiganVietnam Veterans’Monument, dedicatedNovember 11, 2001, in

Lansing, raising more than$25,000 for the memorial.

Kryza has been theDepartment Economic Chairfor the American Legionwithin the State ofMichigan for the pastfive years, duringwhich time he hassupported Veterans’Employment andTraining Programs(VETS) though theMichigan Depart-ment of CareerDevelopment.

The DepartmentEconomic Chairsupports funding forG.I. Bill college educa-tion benefits, home loanprograms, and special helpfor disabled veterans.

State of MichiganMichigan Department of Career Development201 N. Washington SquareVictor Office CenterLansing, Michigan 48913

CareerWise n The Official Newsletter of the Michigan Department of Career Development

CareerWise NewsletterEditor: Lynne BreenDesigner: Gina DiNatale Coon

Contributing Writers:Lianne Briggs, Rose Estioco, Keith Gave, Bruce Griffith,Jackie Hohenstein, Tim Jackson,P.J. Johnston, Marilyn Maloney,John Radford, Barbara Schulz,Michael Williams

Phone: 1-8866-MMY-GGOALS 1-8866-6694-66257 (Voice/TTY)Fax: (517) 241-00593 E-mmail: career@state.mi.us

Visit our Web site at:www.mmiicchhiiggaann..ggoovv//mmddccdd

The Michigan Department of CareerDevelopment is an equal opportunityemployer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

November 2002

State of MichiganMichigan Department of Career Development

Quantity: 56,000; Cost $8,577; Unit Cost: $0.15

Job-Related Rehab Services Rated Highly

FIRST CLASS MAILPOSTAGE & FEES

PAIDU.S. DEPARTMENT

OF LABORPERMIT NO. G12

Official BusinessPenalty for Private Use $300

Last fall, the Michigan Rehabili-tation Services (MRS) divisionof the Michigan Department ofCareer Development and theMichigan Commission for theBlind (MCB) in the FamilyIndependence Agency con-tracted with a Massachusettsfirm to conduct a comprehen-sive needs assessment of Michi-gan residents with disabilities.

Abt Associates, Inc.,—which specializes in researchconcerning persons withdisabilities—has now reportedthe results of this study.

A mail survey asked clientsand former clients of both MRSand MCB about their employ-ment and living situations, whatservices they had received vis-à-vis what they needed, andwhat would help them most.

In addition, focus groupsand individual interviews wereconducted with members of

groups identified as unservedand underserved. These indi-viduals were asked about work-related and other needs.

More than half of the personssurveyed by mail reported beinggainfully employed, while anotherquarter were engaged in activitiespreparing for employment. Abouthalf of the employed persons withdisabilities were in “white collar”jobs, with most of the other halfin various service occupations.

The focus group participantsand interview subjects were lessproductively engaged. Yet, thetwo sets of data from these verydifferent groups converged inmany respects. Both groups sawdiscrimination and lack of socialacceptance as barriers to theemployment of persons withdisabilities. In fact, nearly 60percent of persons surveyed felttheir disabilities had kept themfrom advancing in a career.

Both groups valued employ-ment-related rehabilitation serv-ices most highly and saw a needfor more of these services. Thekeys to employment were seenas more education and training,tuition assistance, and otherservices directed at personalimprovement to overcome limi-tations and a lack of skills.

Other employment-focusedservices included employerdevelopment and job searchassistance. Services thatsupport overall quality of lifeand have an impact on employ-ability were frequently cited,especially transportation andhousing assistance.

“This survey should providea sound customer-validatedbasis for planning the deploy-ment of MRS resources foryears to come,” said Robert E.Davis, MRS state director.