CNAS GOALS 2000 PROGRAM

Informal Notes from the 12/9/99 G2K Meeting

by Laurence E. Banks and Becky Baker

The following folks participated in this meeting: Linda Plymate, Jill Black, Melida Gutierrez, Jim Tice, Roger Bennett, Brian Breyfogle, Frank Lojko, Wyman Grindstaff, Mani Manivannan, Becky Baker, Bob Whitaker, Barbara Prock, Michelle Norgren, and Larry Banks.

The primary topics of discussion were:

	Science Olympiad
	K-12/St. Louis Science Center collaboration efforts
	A 60-hour student utilization plan
	Summative writing activities
	Cohort selection for Fall, ’00

Things are close to being lined up for the Science Olympiad (Saturday, February 19, 2000), but Michelle could always use more help. CNAS/COE departments need to talk to Michelle if they want to do some recruiting as part of this activity. Additional thoughts included inviting preservice (K-12 math and science) students in before an event like this to observe, etc. what math and science competitions are like.

Jim Tice continues to provide excellent outreach opportunities for us. His most recent contacts have been with the St. Louis Science Center, Sullivan, and Frisco Net. The St. Louis Science Center is working on implementing increased outreach through distance learning. I’m sure we’ll continue to hear about these opportunities as he develops them further.

Frank Lojko presented a very provocative proposal for the use of the 60-hour future teachers (having substitute certification) in K-12 schools. Using Springfield Schools as a model, he discussed how these students might be used (aids, substitutes, teachers, help with a class-within a class, help in working with students in computer labs, etc.), and the benefits they might receive. Regular teachers could benefit from their involvement, as well, through exposure to new ideas, support for educational activities within the classroom and release time to attend professional development activities.

Frank also discussed a number of ideas about how such a program might be financed. These included seeking funding from DESE, Eisenhower grants, funding from Springfield, and other sources. Frank estimated that ~$50,000 would support 20 – 30 pre-service K-12 students. There are many issues that would need to be addressed to support such an activity such as the creation of student course schedules that would allow them to interact in K-12 schools over periods of time – one of the cleaner ways to do this might be to have a (required/optional?) intern semester.

Becky discussed the need for on-going efforts to write up the results of all our endeavors over the past four years. We will be continuing these efforts in all our meetings this coming semester. Judy Stainback has provided an outline of ideas for us to look at. In addition, copies of several documents that have already been prepared for DESE are on file in Dr. Bank’s office, in Kings Street Annex 219, and in Morris Hall, Room 207. The final report needs to be prepared, primarily, for DESE and dissemination of project results.

However, there are other uses that this document will provide – one being for us as internal documentation, two, for external dissemination and three, content specific or general spin-off activities. We will continue meeting in the spring with the first hour of each session devoted to organizing, providing information in a useable format for Judy, and a combination of writing/critiquing what has been done. Judy Stainback will be working closely with the group in putting together and polishing the document. The first group to report in January will be the Elementary/Middle group – with all participants in GOALS input. The sub-committees will need to get together to look at the types of information they have available. After the Elementary/Middle group goes then Secondary. K-12 partnerships will be next. Additional areas will then be addressed.

The need to begin recruiting the next freshman cohort caused a lot of discussion about recruiting teachers in general. One idea discussed centered around extended recruitment activities provided to selected second semester high school senior students in math and science (K-12 emphasis) that were involved in cadet teaching, mentoring activities, etc. Barbara Prock, Frank, and Jim added to the discussion with their knowledge of the new A+ programs and K-12 future teacher organizations. Discussion ensued on the best way to access these students and their sponsoring teachers – more to come.

For now, recruitment of the next cohort will begin with Michelle preparing updated brochures that members of our current cohort might be willing to take to their home schools over the Christmas holidays.


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