CSTA BOARD MINUTES
September 30, 2007
The Bay Club Hotel
San Diego, California
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the California
Science Teachers Association, a California Non-profit Corporation
was called to order at 8:40 a.m.
Attendance and Quorum
The following members were present: Jeff Bradbury, Margaret
Burke, Karen Carroll, Deborah Farkas, Dean Gilbert, Jennifer
Halls, Laura Henriques, Rick Pomeroy, Susan Pritchard, Greg
Schultz, Diana Takenaga, Jenny Wade, Don Whisman, Tim Williamson,
and Karen Withey-Smith. A quorum was present. Also in attendance
were executive director Christine Bertrand and Lisa Marroquin
from CTA. Sue Pritchard served as Chair, and Jenny Wade served
as Secretary.
Notice
The chair called the meeting to order and announced that the
meeting was held pursuant to written notice to all members
of the board of directors of the corporation. A copy of the
notice was ordered entered into the minutes book following
the minutes of the meeting.
Approval of Agenda
Chair Sue Pritchard asked for approval of the agenda. The
agenda was amended to add one item. Rick Pomeroy moved to
approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Laura Henriques;
the agenda was approved as amended.
Approval of Minutes
Meg Burke moved to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2007
board meeting. Seconded by Rick Pomeroy; motion carried.
Old Business
Survey
Jeff Bradbury reported that input from the board on the survey
had been constructive and was incorporated into the survey
included in the board packet. He indicated that we had gotten
a three-month contract to conduct the survey, which enables
us to ask more questions and receive more responses. Jeff
indicated that the survey will be online during the conference
with computers available to attendees, will be announced in
the November issue of CCS, and will be linked via an email
to as many people as we have email addresses for. Jeff was
thanked for getting the survey to this point.
Community College Outreach
Jeff Bradbury gave a PowerPoint presentation, “The Role of
Community Colleges in Educating Future Science TEACHERS,”
on how CSTA can serve community college instructors, and posed
a question to the board: Does CSTA support community college
instructors as science educators or because they educate future
science teachers? Jeff reported that he and Laura Henriques
surveyed over 1000 students to determine their needs:
1. Most
had not discussed teaching as an option with counselor or
faculty member
2. Students reported making their career choice after enrolling
in college
3. Many students did not know that they could still become
a teacher at this point in their educational career.
Jeff suggested ways that the CSTA board could address the
needs of community college instructors:
• When writing for CCS, consider a K-14 audience, highlight
community college and university issues in regional reports
• When planning the conference, plan workshops to address
K-14 needs, include sessions and speakers relevant to K-14,
use inclusive titles and language in presentations
• Think and talk like we are K-14
Student Chapters
Laura Henriques and Jeff Bradbury reported on the status of
the student chapter efforts. They indicated that they had
written an article for CCS and that the application and information
is now on the CSTA website.
Programs
2007 Science Education Conference
Tim Williamson, conference chair, gave an update on the conference
planning and reported that, as of the previous day, there
were just over 1700 people registered. He reported that we
had slightly fewer sponsors than last year and that we still
need to find sponsors for the Saturday night dance. Tim indicated
that we will have a DJ at the dance instead of a band, in
order to save money. He also indicated that Administrator
Day may be cancelled, as only 9 people are currently registered.
It was agreed that a vigorous effort will be made to reach
out to administrators to encourage attendance.
Christine Bertrand circulated volunteer duty sheets for board
members to sign up for. She also announced the events that
the board should try to attend at the conference. Tim thanked
everyone for their help and support of the conference.
2008 Science Education Conference
Rick Pomeroy, 2008 conference chair, directed everyone to
the report in packet. He indicated that TOPS day will be discussed
during the December board teleconference. He also mentioned
that, as the conference will be occurring on Halloween, the
committee is looking into events that might be highlighted
for attendees.
Field Experience Grant Program
Deb Farkas reported that communication with Savannah Africa
has been patchy. We have an itinerary, but not a date for
the trip. The committee agreed to continue to pursue Savannah
Africa, but if there is no communication by the time the next
CCS goes to print, we will remove the trip from our website
and cease to announce it. Christine Bertrand reported that
there have been no applications submitted so far and only
one telephone inquiry about the program.
Policy and Organizational Issues
Committee Recommendations/Actions
Professional Development Committee
Tim Williamson reported that the committee was able to recommend
the program and possible speakers to Rick Pomeroy for the
2008 conference. He indicated that the committee created an
overarching theme for the PD strand: “Putting the I&E
back in scIEnce,” with the idea that the strand will focus
on the I & E standards. Tim indicated that the committee
still needs to get recommendations for speakers from northern
California.
Grants Committee
Deb Farkas, Meg Burke, and Diana Takenaga reported on other
field experiences that they plan to pursue, including EarthWatch
Institute, School for Field Study, Earth Explore Adventures,
and GSA’s Geo-Ventures. Christine Bertrand was asked to create
a letter with talking points that the committee can use when
contacting providers. Committee members will make personal
contacts after the letter is created.
Diversity Committee
The diversity committee reported on its discussion. The committee
agreed to feature a diversity article in each issue of CCS,
twice per year on teaching a diverse student population and
twice per year on a scientist of diverse background. The committee
will also identify student issues and diversity resources,
and will identify speakers and scientists in the field to
who have an interest in both science and diversity in education.
It was decided that the committee will meet during the conference.
Podcast Committee
Preliminary work of the committee was presented. It was suggested
that the overview podcast with the program be played in the
registration area at the conference.
Committee Appointments
Sue Pritchard presented the report included in the board packet
and requested that the board accept the committee appointments
as specified. Rick Pomeroy moved to accept the appointments;
Jennifer Halls seconded. Motion carried.
Legislative and Political Issues
Christine Bertrand reported that the only piece of legislation
of interest to us which was passed and on governor’s desk
is AB 1148, which is the Brownley bill that requires the state
board to identify the essential components of instructional
materials that will fully address the standards. The bill
is meant as a cost saving effort for districts, but it might
unfortunately result in the board identifying only textbooks
as essential components, eliminating kits and ancillary materials.
Christine reported on the ongoing efforts of the state board
to approve new regulations governing the adoption process.
One of the sticking points is the prohibition on communications
between publishers and curriculum commissioners. She indicated
that CSTA supports the prohibition. Christine also reported
that the CDE had published a report on the 2006 adoption,
and CSTA was thanked for its support of the adoption; Christine
reported that she and Dean Gilbert were thanked by name.
COPUS Discussion
Sue Pritchard reported that CSTA has been added as a sponsor
of the Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS)
and thanked Judy Scotchmoor for alerting CSTA to the organization.
She reported that Judy will write a “COPUS corner” for CCS
to keep members advised on the organization.
Board Member Conference Travel
Sue Pritchard requested that the board consider supporting
board members’ travel to the conference. Jeff Bradbury moved
that CSTA offer up to $200 as reimbursement to board members
who attend the CSTA conference.
Seconded by Deb Farkas. Discussion; Motion failed, with
1 abstention.
Don Whisman moved
that comped luncheon tickets and registration will be paid
for board members as recognition of their conference service.
Jeff Bradbury seconded. Laura made a friendly amendment
that CSTA pay for the closing luncheon and $50 as token gift
that board members may or may not use to pay for the awards
luncheon. Motion withdrawn.
Meg Burke moved
that CSTA board members be given $200 to meet expenses during
the conference.
Don Whisman made a friendly amendment
that board members receive a reimbursement of $100 plus
a ticket to the closing luncheon.
Motion carried with 1 opposed and 2 abstentions.
California Science Education Initiative
Christine Bertrand reported that CSEI executive director John
Kenney, of Pasco Scientific, dropped off a proposal for CSTA
to joint the initiative. The fee to join would be $1000. Discussion
ensued about the advisability of joining the initiative and
the duplication of efforts between CSTA and CSEI. It was pointed
out that CSTA already has the infrastructure that could be
used, rather than creating another project/organization to
do the same thing CSTA does. The board agreed not to endorse
the initiative.
Reports
President’s Report
Sue Pritchard referred the board to her written report.
Treasurer’s Report
Greg Schultz reported on the 2006-2007 year-end budget report
in the packet. He indicated that revenue was greater than
anticipated, although some of the revenue was offset by expenses.
Overall, we finished the year in very positive territory.
Executive Director's Report
Christine Bertrand referred the board to her written report
in the packet.
Directors' Reports
Tim Williamson gave the final tally for volunteers and requested
that board members volunteer to greet focus speakers.
Karen Carroll reported that she is concerned about the lack
of conference approval for LA teachers; she indicated that
the district had called a moratorium on all conference release/travel.
Laura Henriques reported that she is involved with helping
develop the MERLOT online community, working on science education
with links to preservice teachers, which will be unveiled
at the conference. She also indicated that grants for professional
development are available and that conference attendance can
be included as a part of grants.
Diana Takenaga reported that LAUSD had mandated time for teaching
of elementary science and had sent a memorandum to all Los
Angeles teachers. She indicated that the district had adopted
FOSS and has mandated 90 minutes of science instruction in
all elementary classes. Sue Pritchard suggested CSTA write
a letter congratulating LAUSD on their decision. Diana also
reported that GLATSA will hold its annual conference on February
16 at Bravo Medical Magnet, entitled “Mother Earth is a hottie.”
Karen Withey-Smith reported on a conference she attended where
she made a CSTA membership pitch and used CSTA journals as
raffle prizes.
Rick Pomeroy reported that he has spoken to teachers in the
greater Sacramento area about the conference and CSTA and
will teach class at the conference. He reported that he has
worked with a Tahoe environmental research group run by UC
Davis, on creating a program for docents.
Meg Burke thanked the board for mentoring her through the
retreat and reported that, as a member of the 2008 conference
committee, she is trying to arrange a visit to the new Cal
Academy for an event. She reported that the Academy is on
budget and schedule.
Jennifer Halls reported on her attendance at the podcast workshop
and indicated that she is on the science fair committee for
LACOE in April.
Deb Farkas reported that the Presidio is sponsoring an archaeology
program this week, and she will staff a table for CSTA at
the event. She will raffle a CSTA membership and journal at
the event. She also reported that San Francisco State University
has a new initiative regarding science and math education,
and she will attend the National Girl’s Collaborative meeting
on October 10.
Don Whisman reported that this summer saw a transition for
him from SDUSD to Lakeside as new assistant principal in charge
of district science. He indicated that one of the main goals
at Lakeside is the kit-based science program, and the district
is encouraging professional development in science. He reported
that he attended a professional development event in Virginia
for inquiry-based instruction.
Greg Schultz reported that he taught a course through Berkeley
Cal Teach and plugged CSTA to attendees. He also reported
that he just started an astronomy course for community colleges
and worked on the Astronomy Public Outreach Conference, where
an astrophysicist/ former astronaut gave the keynote.
Jenny Wade reported that the San Joaquin County Office of
Education Science Project Day is October 7.
Other Reports
Lisa Marroquin reported that she suggested to CTA that earth
science be recognized as a “d” requirement toward UC approved
courses, and that CTA will take this up as part of its legislative
agenda. She reported that she will be part of the CTA Global
Warming Task Force.
Lisa was asked if CTA has a plan to address mandated minutes
for science education; she replied it does not. She indicated
that, right now, an effort is underway regarding the reauthorization
of NCLB, which CTA does not support.
Adjournment
Jennifer Halls moved to adjourn the meeting; Meg Burke seconded.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Next Board of Directors Meeting: December 1, 2007 by conference
call.
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