MSAN is now accepting applications for membership. MSAN is actively looking to add districts outside the Midwest and East Coast.
MSAN member districts are part of a community working toward solutions to common issues around race and student achievement. Additionally, districts have the opportunity to participate in research projects and access study-related interventions and resources. Click here for more information on the Benefits of MSAN membership.
The Governing Board considers several factors as new districts are selected. None of these are stated as absolutes but are considered guiding factors in review and selection.
To be considered for membership in the Minority Student Achievement Network, interested districts are asked to prepare a 3-5 page application which includes:
Typically, the superintendent of a school district initiates the MSAN membership application process.
Applications are accepted throughout the year; however, membership is limited to 30 school districts at any given time. Once an application is received by the Executive Director, the application goes to the Executive Committee for preliminary review. The Executive Committee recommends new members to the Governing Board in June. The Governing Board makes final membership decisions.
An annual membership fee $15,000 per district is due each August. Prompt payment is appreciated. Membership fees are used for MSAN expenses including research and development projects, MSAN leadership Institute registration for 6 educators, MSAN Student Conference registration for 8 students and 2 chaperones, MSAN Mini-Conference registration fee reductions, access to information from prior institutes and mini-conferences, access to an on-line database of MSAN's Promising Practices, and 3 annual business meetings for the Governing Board and Research Practitioner Council (excluding travel and accommodations).
MSAN is able to collaborate with member districts to seek federal and/or foundation grants to support specialized projects related to the achievement gap. Since it was organized, MSAN has generated more than 2.5 million dollars in foundation, grant, and local district funds to explore issues influencing the achievement gap.
Active participation by Governing Board and RPC members in Network activities is an expectation of membership. If representatives from a district are not able to participate in primary Network activities for more than 24 months (including Governing Board meetings, RPC meetings, Mini-Conferences, the MSAN Institute, or the Student Conference), the district will be considered inactive and reconsideration of membership will be initiated. The success of a network such as ours is the active participation of all members.