Vermont Science Teachers Association

Board of Directors Meeting January 11, 2002.

VISMT Offices, Montpelier, VT

Members Present: Kathy Renfrew, Judy Corey, Bob Raskovitz, David White, Gail Hall, Gay Craig, Russ Agne, Roni Donnenfeld, Cassie Major, and Claudia Vanderborght. Guest Pam Quinn.

The meeting was called to order by the president Kathy Renfrew at 5:00 PM.

Members reviewed the data provided by Pam. Workshop evaluations were very good overall. Attendees generally preferred workshops offered in the early blocks that presented assessment and curriculum materials and information. Responses favored workshops that that provided information that was very practical. Board members will investigate a new location for the next conference and sending electronic conference brochures to Vermont science teachers through the current list serve. The vendors were happy with the table fee and lunch arrangements but would appreciate more space and time in the schedule for attendees to visit them. The financial report is not complete at this time.

Claudia described thematic workshops that she has attended and she will gather more information about them for our next meeting. The Board will consider offering this type of professional development at the VNEA conference also.

Action: Board members will bring workshop ideas to the February mtg.

Item: Budget presented by Judy.

Action: Approved

Item: Newsletter presented by Cassie

The next VSTA newsletter will be sent to members at the end of January.

Action: News items and notes must be sent to Cassie ASAP.

Item: PASS presented by David.

Reception of the assessment was good and piloting of test items is ongoing. Benchmarks will need to be set in the late spring. The Interactive Learning Network will hold a second session in March and participants will be piloting items developed by Gail’s VSADT group. David believes that high quality local assessment will be essential, as the federally mandated testing will be under funded. Most of the federal funds are being earmarked for development of assessments and little money will be available for maintenance of state assessment programs.

Action: David will update the Board in February.

Item: Presidential Awards presented by David

Science teachers must apply for the award and include a video this year. Applications must be in by April 1, 2002.

Action: Members will encourage their colleagues to apply.

Item: Vermont Science Professional Development Initiative — VSI presented by David.

This is a professional education degree program for licensed teachers of grades K- 8. It will be held in August of 2002 and will provide the state and school districts with skilled teachers of science who will serve as teacher leaders.

Action: none

Action: Gay will coordinate our responsibilities for this program.

Item: Old Business:

Workshop presentation Criteria document will be needed shortly.

Action: Bruce Parks will provide the final draft.

Item: New Business:

Roni is in a VT education issues think tank group and will bring the board’s suggestions to this group. These issues will be presented to the VT legislature. Russ is working with STEMP, a group that will write for a grant to provide peer-mentoring programs throughout VT and criteria for alternative certification. He is also looking for other suggestions of needs around the state.

Next meeting: February 11, 2002 at 5:00 PM in the VISMT office or if there are weather problems via the web.

Respectfully submitted by Gay Craig - Secretary