Date: October 22, 2003
Subject: MAPSSS myths and facts

On their web site, MAPSSS has clarified who they are and who they are not with a myths-and-facts statement. It appears that we are not so far apart on many substantive issues such as some parts of the standards, curriculum, the value of knowledge, local control, and even the Profile of Learning. We just differ on how to get there — and whether it's possible to get there in the boat we're in now. The Academic Standards committee, Commissioner Yecke, and MDE staff would do well to read and consider the clarifications contained in the MAPSSS myths-and-facts statement. The larger debate may not be as polarized as it has been protrayed.