EPPAC Meeting
Present: Gary Cross, Tina Edwards, Cindy Gissy, Robert Harrison, Judy Higgs, Denise Honaker, Larry Keaton, Cindy Kelley, David Lancaster, Dan Metz, and Chris Whytsell. Invited guest–Barbara Fish.
Long-Range Goals
The Education Division’s Long-Range Goals were distributed and discussed. Bob Harrison pointed out that minority recruitment is appropriate as a goal. Title II refers to recruitment of specialized populations (i.e., females into traditional male fields). Minority recruitment also focuses on the treatment of children of poverty; Introduction to Special Education needs to become Children of Specialized Populations. State institutions need to look at a broader vision. The federal government is leading the way.
The division may want to take a leadership role and work with RESA to include Early Childhood AA as a career cluster. The division may want to think about tweaking Pre-K-K and developmentally delayed K-4 and Pre-K.
Gary Cross pointed out that English as a second language is becoming a major issue. Adding this as a specialization falls into the specialized population category. There is a misconception that English as a second language specialized requires fluency in foreign language. Foreign language needs to be K-12.
IMPACT funds can be used for Web Master to plug into technology commitment.
Gary Cross moved to accept Long-Range Goals; Dan Metz seconded motion. Motion was approved.
Curriculum Lab Update
Cindy Kelley gave an update on the Curriculum Lab–work studies have been hired and an materials inventory completed.
Service Learning Proposal
The development of service learning as a program admission requirement was discussed. This 60 hour component will be designed to incorporate not only schools but various service areas throughout the community (hospitals, social services, etc.). Bob Harrison interjected that non-education related experience is good. Perhaps a bonus could be given to reinforce high school service learning. Service learning could be expanded to include after school programs. Judy Higgs pointed out that service learning must be tied to curriculum. It should incorporated as part of both pre- and post-admission. Students should reflect on the meaning of their service experience. Bob termed this concept “Growth overtime.” Gary Cross pointed out that notification should be made to area schools of the service learning portfolio requirements.
Barbara Fish, member of the Community Service Commission, commented
Different definitions of what service learning consists of exists–teachers may not know how to implement service learning
Important to develop in student an ethic of service. This is the most important aspect–developing contributing members of society.
Service learning needs to become a way of life, not a project.
Education Honor Code
The Education Honor Code draft was distributed. An honor code will help document “disposition development” for NCATE.
Judy Higgs asked that the wording be changed slightly in the document. In the opening statement, “commitment entails,” should read “of that commitment.” The “ing” should be dropped from the action verbs.
This Honor Code should be included a a type of exit of exit interview.
Bob Harrison moved to approve; Judy Higgs seconded motion. Motion approved.
Portfolio Rubric
A draft of the portfolio rubric was disseminated for discussion. This rubric will be utilized fall 2001 and will be reviewed on its performance and revised accordingly.
Bob Harrison noted that there must be a signature sheet/documentation that a student is aware of the FBI background check. Signed releases must be included for documentation for CD portfolio.
IMPACT
Cindy Gissy gave an update of the IMPACT grant. The three-year proposal and budget was distributed.
New Technology
Cindy Kelley informed the group that PDA’s have been
purchased. The division will pilot these
as a tool to do evaluations in the field and training cooperating teachers in
their use. This use of technology will
help with NCATE standards. A new computer server has been purchased, and
New Brochure
A draft of the new education brochure was distributed for review.
Middle School Certifications
Curriculum summary sheets for English/Language Arts 5-9 and
Social Studies 5-9 were distributed for approval. The committee asked that K-6 Reading/Language
Arts requirements (English 403, Language Arts 301,