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M.L. Program Committee
Minutes from meeting of 10/17/2005
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Program
October 17, 2005
Minutes
The program committee met at the Manchester Country Club. In attendance were: Scott Nicol, Marie Castle-Good, Carol Janssen, Earle Bidwell and guest Norma Posocco, Chair of the CAS Center for Early Adolescent Educators.
1. Progress to Date: Earle Bidwell reported that the date for the conference was confirmed as January 27, 2006 (no snow date) and the location is the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.” We have reserved meeting rooms 11-17 and the East side of the convention center. While all looks promising for securing the services of Mark Scharenbroich as keynoter, it has not been confirmed as yet.
2. Next Steps: Scott Nicol led a discussion regarding alternatives in the event that Scharenbroich is not available. A leading replacement is Thomas Guskey from Kentucky, a recognized expert on assessment and dynamic keynoter.
3. An earlier decision to limit the breakout choices to two large groups for each of two sessions was reaffirmed. However the committee left open the possibility of adding a third if enrollment estimates climb over 200 with invitations extended to central office personnel and the elementary division.. If Scharenbroich is the keynoter, he would be asked to do two breakouts as well leaving two sessions unfilled. When the high school program committee meets, it is hoped they will have ideas for a second concurrent session presenter. It was decided in any event that breakouts should remain generic rather than level specific to attract the largest possible audience.
4. The committee favored Dr. David Carter, President of Eastern Connecticut State University as a luncheon speaker. Dr. Carter has name recognition, is a powerful motivational speaker and is open to suggestions for talking points.
5. There was some concern expressed about providing enough exhibitor time. The financial success of the program relies on a sufficient number of exhibitors and reports were that they were somewhat dissatisfied with the limited contact with conference participant last year. After considerable discussion, the following schedule was recommended.
7:30 - 8:30 Registration and Exhibitors
8:30 - 9:30 Keynote Address
9:40 - 10:40 Workshop Session I
10:40 - 11:40 Morning Break, Networking and Exhibitor Time
11:40 - 12:40 Workshop Session II
12:40 - 2:15 Luncheon & Luncheon Speaker
The schedule features an hour in the middle of the morning that will allow participants to make their phone calls, get coffee network with colleagues or visit the exhibitor’s booths.
6. Every effort will be made to secure speakers before the next meeting and to get registration materials and publicity out to a wide readership.
7. Next Meeting November 21, 2005
Addendum:
Mark Scharenbroich is our morning keynote speaker and will do two concurrent large group sessions.
