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M.L. Program Committee
Minutes from meeting of 10/14/2003
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Program Committee
Minutes
October 14, 2003
In attendance were: Jeffrey Schumann, Raymond Bernier, Scott Nicol, Carol Janssen, Rochelle Schwartz and Earle Bidwell
1. Welcome and Introduction of New members: Jeffrey Schumann Martin Kellogg Middle School Newington, Scott Nicol Vernon Center Middle School, Vernon, Robert Musial Windham Middle School, Willimantic, Craig Drezek Derby High School, Derby, Raymond Bernier Preston Plains School, Preston.
2. Review of Committee Function and Service: Earle Bidwell reviewed the charge to the committee including its role in planning the annual conference and selection of middle level teacher of the year and middle level school of the year.
3. CAS Conference
a. Progress to Date: The CAS conference will be a winter conference this year planned in conjunction with the high school division. It will be held on January 26, 2004 at the Radisson Conference Center in Cromwell. The keynote speaker will be noted expert on the role of educational technology in closing the achievement gap, Allan November.
b. Items to Be Determined
i. Luncheon Speaker: Possible luncheon speakers were discussed. Suggestions ranged from noted national speakers from NMSA to new leadership at the state level. Suggestions will be discussed with high school colleagues. If there are other suggestions, the names will be e-mailed to Mr. Bidwell
ii. Middle Level Break-out Sessions: Presenters are being sought from among middle level ranks. The teacher and school of the year will be invited to present, as will last year’s award recipients. Other possible topics might include parent involvement in schools and how NCLB affects school climate. It was suggested that Tom Mooney be invited.
iii. Exhibitors: It was recommended that a staggered breakout schedule be employed The intent is to schedule a period of time where people not attending a breakout session could visit and speak to exhibitors and attend an informal panel discussion of a relevant topic. A middle level topic might be “Implications of Bullying Legislation. – One Year Later” A tentative schedule will be suggested to high school colleagues.
iv. The committee favors not having advanced registration for breakout sessions. The amount of preparation work is not justified relative to the benefits. Attendance can be essentially regulated by the size of the rooms and the number of chairs available.
4. Review of Teacher of the Year Application: Tabled
5. Future Agenda Items and Adjournment: A brief round-table time will be considered for future agendas to allow committee members to solicit help on topics important to them. The topics will then be listed along with the interested member with e-mail. Other committee members can then e-mail suggestions. Round table topics will not be part of the formal minutes published on the web.
The Next Meeting is Scheduled for November 10, 2003 at 3:30
