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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 as President of MAS/FPS for the 2010-2011 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.”
Each and every day, educators across our state strive to intervene when students struggle with learning.
Our mission is to utilize state/federal programs as part of that intervention. The song performed by
Tracy Chapman, “Give Me One Reason”, comes to mind when I think about what we are trying to do.
A line in that song goes something like this: “Give me one reason to stay here, and I’ll turn right back around…”
While that song really is not referring to educational issues, I can’t help but make a connection to students.
We know that due to a variety of reasons, students may stray away from what it is they need to do to learn,
study, and thus achieve. It is my belief that practitioners across the state of Michigan work to not only
use “research-based strategies”, but they also are employing methods to give kids good reasons to “turn right
back around”, and to get them pointed in the right direction.
MAS/FPS has been in existence for over 40 years, and has provided over time, many institutes, boot camps, and
information for the benefit of its members. The dollars dedicated to school districts for the purpose of supporting
students who may be at-risk of achieving high standards come with “strings attached.” Sets of guidelines and
requirements must be communicated, universally understood, and followed. With increased membership involvement,
the network of support will be fostered and strengthened throughout this school year.
Our schools will be facing challenges in understanding and responding to a new and ever-changing educational climate.
We need to address the implementation of National Core Standards, Race to the Top, as well as various state/federal
laws relative to education, and to do so within the context of Michigan’s uncertain economic picture. My belief that
with MAS/FPS reaching out to its members, our schools will be able to effectively weather these challenges.
I encourage you to take advantage of the MAS/FPS network of support—through its membership listserve, E-news,
boot camps, institutes, and more! Please take time to connect with your MAS/FPS representatives and officers,
as well as with other members throughout this year. When great minds put their heads together—exciting things can
and will happen. The power of collaboration is a cornerstone quality of MAS/FPS. I have no doubt
Michigan’s students will benefit and excel if we can “give them a good reason to stay here” through the
effective implement of state and federal programs.
Have a great year!
Sincerely,
Michele A. Burley
MISSION
MAS/FPS: Empowering leaders
to implement effective State and Federal programs to increase student
achievement.
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