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THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members of the Michigan Association of State and Federal Program Specialists (MAS/FPS):
It is my honor to serve you as President of MAS/FPS for the 2011-2012 school year. As the MAS/ FPS mission indicates, this organization is dedicated to “empowering leaders to implement effective State and Federal Programs to increase student achievement.” You are those leaders and it is our purpose to support you in being your very best in implementing your Title I, Title II, Title III, Title III Immigrant, 31a, and more grant funded programs to make a difference with those students most at risk of not reaching academic success or more importantly, their greatest potential. It takes both of us to make this work well. You must ask for what will help you and your programs run efficiently and under full compliance, and MAS/FPS must provide opportunities for you to accomplish this.
MAS/FPS is very fortunate to have forged a strong, supportive, and reciprocal relationship with
the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This partnership allows for MAS/FPS to even better
serve you as members as we are continually looked upon for advice in problem-solving through
issues and implementing new practices. As is with our organization, MDE is continually looking to
assure each and every district is able to best utilize their grant allocations to serve those students
currently most at risk of not mastering the State’s grade level content expectations.
This past year and the near future may currently look not only challenging, but sometimes daunting depending on your district's current financial situation and your experience with grant programs. Many of us have had or are currently feeling this way, no matter what our years of experience or current role in our own district. Knowing all the components, rules, and more for each grant program is continually a challenge given the scope of each program. More importantly, since we are each trying to help all students through quality grant programs, the work we do goes well beyond compliance in attempting to offer each student the greatest opportunity of success, no matter their current situation in and/or out of school.
Most importantly, must be an understanding by all school personnel that grant programs are supplemental. What this really means is the stronger a district's core curriculum program and delivery is for meeting the needs of all students, the more focus the grant programs can have on those not able to meet that curriculum. Simply put, think of it as Tier I being everything the school does with its district financial resources. Tier II and III would then be almost solely the focus of our grant funds. This mindset is something more easily said then truly put into practice. An easy way to start is to clearly define what your district’s core delivery practices/programs are that are intended to reach and make every child successful.
MAS/FPS has been in existence since the 60's and has provided over time, and continues to provide many resources to support school personnel. Our districts, schools, and you will be facing challenges in understanding and responding to all the current and new challenges and MAS/FPS is one of your best resources, only when you take advantage of what it has to offer. Be an active member and be sure to push us to not only serve you, but to be the best we can be for all our students. Our partnership with MDE is a strong and productive one that is even better when our partnership with all our members is just as strong and improving, so please, challenge yourself, challenge MAS/FPS.
Have a great year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas G. Reeder
President MAS/FPS & Superintendent, Wyoming Public Schools
USDE
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