From: Gay Mary Craig <vtcraig@attglobal.net> Reply-To: vtcraig@attglobal.net

Organization: Champlain Valley Union High School X-Accept-Language: en,pdf

MIME-Version: 1.0

To: Bruce Parks <beparks@sover.net>, Cassie Major <majorinvt@aol.com>,

"Charles E. Gordon" <charliegor@aol.com>, Dave White <dwhite678@aol.com>, Gail Hall <hallg@wssu.org>, Gay Craig <vtcraig@ibm.net>, Kathy Renfrew <renfpea@pop.k12.vt.us>, Robert Raskevitz <raskevit@sover.net>,

Russell Agne <ragne@zoo.uvm.edu>,

"Judith A. Corey" <jcorey@accessvt.com>

Subject: VSTA December Minutes

Status:

VSTA Board of Directors Meeting

December 8, 2000

Montpelier, VT

5:00 PM

Present: David White, Bob Raskovitz, Gay Craig, Gail Hall, Russ Agne, Judy Corey, Cassie Major, Bruce Parks, and Zooey Zullo

The VSTA Board met at the VISMT offices in Dilligham Hall on the campus of Vermont College in Montpelier, VT. President David White presided.

I. Officer‚s Reports: Minutes with no corrections were accepted. The treasurer‚s report was reviewed and accepted. Cassie reported that the deadline for articles and information in the next newsletter is January 15, 2001. The Newsletter will be sent in the end of January. Bruce Parks introduced Zooey Zullo as a prospective new board member. Zooey works with teachers in training at Dartmouth College and with the Upper Valley School modeling and facilitating inquiry based science. No update on awards is available.

II. Old Business: David gave an update on the PASS state science test. He has been traveling the state training teachers and administrators to administer the test. There are performance tasks and constructed response questions being written that will be piloted in January. The grade level leaders for this project are Gail Hall ˆ High school, Brian Slopey ˆ Middle school, and David White ˆ Elementary school. David reported that Jennifer Baer of the National Wildlife Federation had contacted him concerning the new sustainability standards in the VT Frameworks. The Vital Results concerning data have been modified also. Liz Dolci of Johnson State College is developing a three-year institute for science teachers based on the VT Math Institute. Bruce reported that science funding is in trouble in congress, he has called Senators Leahy and Jeffords and Representative Sanders. He recommends that we each call to support theses funds for science. Russ Agne is working on the construction of the VSTA web page with support from Joyce Morris. He plans to include the revised constitution and bylaws, Minutes from board meetings, and links to science related sites. He would like these sites to be recommended by teachers and board members. III. VSTA Goals-Needs Assessment 2000 discussion summary 1. Fall Pathways Conference in partnership with VSMIT has been very successful.

2. NEA Conference participation needs to be reviewed. 3. VTC Best Practices Conference could be considered for possible collaboration to provide VSTA members with content workshops similar to those provided at the NEA conference in the past. 4. Mentoring: could we create a list of members and their areas of expertise that would be available for members? For example members capable of creating performance tasks for assessment or integrated curriculums.

5. Teacher leaders are supported by NSTA and VSTA. A goal would be one teacher leader in each school. VISMT Science Materials Kits Program, could we recruit members as leaders to pilot these materials? 6. Interactive TV connection for High schools: This program, funded by a Verizon grant, has six sites online with more in progress. How can we support this program?

7. VT State Science Fair: This event usually occurs the first weekend in April and is sponsored by the VT Principals Association. Is there a role for VSTA in this event?

8. Cassie‚s dream newsletter would contain lessons and activities from members, perhaps one issue that is like a share-a-thon. 9. The board will continue to promote membership especially among elementary teachers. The board will act as a clearinghouse for science programs and initiatives in the state and will keep members updated. IV. Old Business: The NSTA funds for the Pathways Conference are no longer available according to David‚s information. More information on the guidelines is needed.

V. New Business: News of meetings that are cancelled will be put on Board members e-mail the night before and calls will be made to school as backup.

VI. Next Meeting: January 12, in Rutland. VII. Action Items:

Dave: Update of PASS progress, invite Jennifer Baer of NWF to the Feb. mtg., update on progress of Liz Dolci‚s Science Institute, contact VTC Best Practices group, invite Martha McBride of the VT Science Fair to a board mtg.

Bruce: Update of CAGS meeting and progress of science funding. Russ: Update on VSTA web page.

Gay: E-mail VSTA web page address to board members. Bob: Contact Mark Lienau concerning Board membership

Submitted by Gay Craig, Secretary