[Fwd: Profile of Learning: Rest in Peace]

[Rick Parkany <rparkany@borg.com>]

FYI...<sigh>...	;-} rap.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Profile of Learning: Rest in Peace
Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 11:32:53 -0500
From: MREdCo <mapleriv@prairie.lakes.com>
To: mapleriv@prairie.lakes.com

Maple River Education Coalition
1402 Concordia Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-646-0646
http://www.edwatch.org

Press Statement

May 23, 2003
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Profile of Learning: Rest in Peace

The Profile of Learning Show-What-You-Know Graduation Standards were
formally laid to rest in a rally at the State Capitol on Thursday evening.
The Maple River Education Coalition staged a celebration to mark the
repeal of the controversial education requirements.  Supporters came with
signs, buttons, and t-shirts from past rallies.  Those rallies at times drew
up to 5,000 to the Capitol steps.

Renee Doyle, founder of the Coalition in 1998, thanked the legislators for
their overwhelming support and reminded the group that it was a long, five
year battle. "Overturning the Profile required electing a new governor and
new legislators.  It required that parents, teachers and citizens come back
year after year."  Doyle dramatized the burial of the Profile with a 
ceremonial
shredding of the now dead Profile standards and performance assessments.

Coalition board member Michael Chapman held up a poster size visual of
the three-circles he has used in presentations over the past five years.
The interconnecting circles identify restructuring in education, workforce
and the economy.  Chapman dramatically crossed out the education circle,
stating, "One down, two to go," to illustrate the work opposing School-to-
Work that lies ahead.

Commissioner Cheri PiersonYecke thanked the work of the Coalition and
people across the state who have worked tirelessly to replace the Profile of
Learning with new  standards.  Senator Bachmann thanked the crowd for
showing up, being active, and making a huge impact on government in
Minnesota.  "This is about our children, our freedom, and our future,"
she reminded the crowd.

House and Senate Chief authors Rep. Tony Kielkucki and Senator Gen
Olson addressed the group, acknowledging that the work of the Maple
River Education Coalition was the driving force behind the Profile repeal.
Many legislators drifted through the rally to be recognized and thanked.
DFL Representative Gene Pelowski was warmly received and recognized
by Sen. Olson as one who fought Outcome Based Education (OBE) in
Minnesota with her ten years ago. Senator Kelley watched on from the
second floor.

Meanwhile, legislators were conducting business to finish up their
work in this Special Session.  The K-12 Education Policy and funding
bill was being debated in the House as the rally proceeded.  Candy bars
bearing stickers bearing the word "R.I.P. Profile of Learning, 1998 - 2003"
were distributed to those present, to legislators and to the Capitol Press
Corps.

The bill that Governor Pawlenty signed on Wednesday replaces the Profile
with  new, knowledge-based state standards. The final version of both the
new language arts and the math standards were available to the legislators
last Monday before the House and Senate voted for its final passage.

State science, social studies standards and aligned tests remain to be
developed.  Those present made it clear they intend to stay involved to finish
the job.

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