VSTA Board of Directors Meeting

August 17, 2001 at 4:00 PM

Montpelier, Vermont

Members present: David White, Claudia Vanderborght, Judy Corey, Russ Agne, Bruce Parks, Gail Hall, and Gay Craig

The Vermont Science Teachers Association (VSTA) Board of Directors met at the Vermont Institute of Science Math and Technology (VISMT) office, Dillingham Hall, Vermont College. President David White presided.

1. Judy Corey presented June treasurer’s report and the 1994 — 2001 summary of income and expenses for the VSTA. Judy reviewed the draft of the VSTA fiscal year report and budget proposal with board members. She will develop the final draft for the next meeting.
2. Gay made notes to send to Cassie for the newsletter.
3. David White reported that the new Vermont - PASS Science Assessment Blueprints for grades 5, 9, and 11 have been sent to Vermont schools. Each blueprint contains examples and a practice performance task.
4. Bruce Parks reported on the NSTA’s 2cnd Annual Congress on Science Education. The new administrative design is working well and a satisfying amount of progress was made. Science educators will see the results of the focus groups input in the new online courses being offered and in the improved responsiveness to members professional needs.

II. Old Business:

1. Russ Agne reported the results of his investigation of the feasibility of the VSTA Board holding threaded discussions via the Internet. Board members investigated the Maine education web site, which offered to let us use their server and Russ investigated the Vermont Network of Science Educators (VT-NSE). The Board supports the use of the Vermont web site; Russ will implement this plan.
2. The "Guidelines for Presenters" of standards-based science presentation/workshops that were developed by the board and drafted by David were reviewed. These guidelines will be used to develop the presentations/workshops for the December Pathways conference in Rutland.
3. The Pathways Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn on Route 7 in Rutland on Monday December 3, 2001. Bruce Parks will contact Senator Jeffords as a possible keynote speaker and David will check with Bob Raskovitz regarding vendors.

1. The board reviewed and categorized the proposals that were received from people planning to present at the Pathways Conference. The three categories were professional development, assessment, and curriculum; David White will follow up with these presenters.
2. Bruce will contact Pam Quinn at VISMT concerning a keynote speaker.

IV. Next Board Meeting: