The MCEE Network is a unique partnership of business, government, labor, education and collegiate associates and professors, K-12 teachers that emphasizes interaction between economic scholars and education to critically enhance economic education and the economic curriculum in the state of Michigan.
By providing teachers with meaningful professional development, curricula and activities to initiate in the classroom, it is the goal of MCEE to encourage and develop the substance of, interest in, and impact of a quality economic education. We are committed to the development of economically educated and literate citizens to compete in a modern global society. To do this, program participants must be immersed in meaningful and hands-on applications; whether at an early age or adults comtemplating retirement, with increased resources for progress and additional growth.
Please support the fight against economic illiteracy in helping make Michigan’s economic education a catalyst for a state of critical economic thinkers.
MCEE TOP TEN HITS for 2011
1. New Website (www.mceeonline.org)
MCEE has taken on a whole new look with the same comprehensive mission through the new website. Visit www.mceeonline.org and see how MCEE is taking economic education in Michigan to a new virtual level.
2. Economics Challenge
Over 100 students represented their high schools in the 2011 Michigan Economics Challenge State Finals. Held on the Walsh College-Novi campus International Academy- East, International Academy, Chelsea High School, and Brother Rice participated in the State Finals Quiz Bowl with International Academy East and International Academy being crowned 2011 State Champions. International Academy represented Michigan in the Regional Competition.
3. Stock Market Game
20,000+ students were introduced to the world of saving, investing, and the economy in this year’s Stock Market Game sessions. Participating students represented elementary, middle, and high schools from through the state. All session winners were recognized at the spring Teacher Awards and Recognition Luncheon. Partners for the SMG include SIFMA and Raymond James & Associates.
4. Michigan Citizenship Curriculum Collaborative
Dr. David Dieterle, MCEE President and Walsh College Center Director, has served as the economics consultant for the Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum. MCCC is a comprehensive K-12 Social Studies Curriculum based on the Michigan Social Studies Content Expectations. It will potentially be used by every intermediate school district in the state.
5. Virtual Economics 4.0 Workshops
Through the generous support of State Farm and Council for Economic Education, MCEE delivered four teacher training workshops for the newest version of the highly successful Virtual Economics 4.0 CD ROM. The CD contains over 1,200 lessons in economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance education for grades K-12. Workshops were held in Detroit, Lansing, Muskegon, Romulus, and Marquette.
6. Partnership collaborations
MCEE partnered with over 25 school districts, intermediate school districts, corporations, and organizations and government agencies in 2011. Included in the partnerships were the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Detroit Branch, Oakland Schools, Cygnet Financial Freedom House, Meijer, Amerisure Insurance Companies, Foundation for Teaching Economics, State Farm
7. 2011 Michigan Economic Summit Dinner
Mr. Charles Evans, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago was honored as the 2011 Champion for Economic Education along with Ms. Katherine Gustafson, 2011 Michigan Economic Educator of the Year. Mr. Evans presentation, “The Fed’s Dual Mandate Responsibilities: Maintaining Credibility during a Time of Immense Economic Challenges” was quoted by the national media including CNBC and Bloomberg.
8. Center Associate Director co-authors book
Dr. Tawni Ferrarini, NMU Center Associate Director, is the new co-Author of Common Sense with James Gwartney, Richard Stroup, and Dwight Lee. She is also the main author of the Common Sense website (www.commonsenseeconomics.com). Dr. Ferrarini was the MCEE 2009 Economic Educator of the Year.
9. Environment and the Economy Institute
MCEE partnered with Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE) to offer this unique and nationally acclaimed program to Michigan middle and high school teachers. Twenty four Michigan teachers addressed some of today’s environmental issues through the economic way of thinking prism. “It was a great pleasure and honor to be part of this educational adventure.” (Participating teacher)
10. Excellence in Economic Education Grant
MCEE received an Excellence in Economic Education grant through CEE to conduct two workshops on using technology to teach personal finance in high school. The workshops will be conducted in partnership with MCEE Network Centers at Walsh College and Kalamazoo College.