EPPAC Meeting Minutes

December 4, 2002

Present: Joe Badgley, Nancy Baker, Donna Barksdale, Tina Edwards, Cindy Gissy, Judy Higgs, Denise Honaker, Larry Keaton, Cindy Kelley, David Lancaster, Dan Metz, Ron Nichols, Serena Starcher, and Chris Whytsell

Service Learning

Information regarding inclusion of a service learning component was distributed to the committee prior to the meeting. Larry Keaton presented an overview of this proposal to the committee.

• 75 hours of service learning must be completed prior to admission to program; 25 additional hours are to be completed prior to student teaching. A total of 100 clock hours must be completed before recommendation for licensure.

• Reflective analysis of service learning will be evaluation criteria for admission to student teaching

• Service learning will be another criteria to be used for evaluation and will become a part of the electronic portfolio

The service learning component is to meet specific objectives. Each student’s reflective analysis should be tied to the Conceptual Framework.

A list of suggested service learning activities will be distributed to students. However, this list will not be all-inclusive. Donna Barksdale asked that the Boys and Girls Club be included on this list.

Donna Barksdale motion that service learning be included as part of the education curriculum; Judy Higgs seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Education Technology Course

Information regarding the education technology course was distributed prior to the meeting. This special topics course is being taught fall 2002 and spring 2003. This course better meets the professional standards for teacher education than CS 101. Students must be abreast of current technology used in the classroom and use this technology as a teaching and preparation tool. Dan Metz motioned to present Education Technology to the curriculum committee for inclusion as a program requirement; Chris Whytsell seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Associate Degree Approval

WVU at Parkersburg has received approval to offer two new associate degrees–Early Childhood Development and Early Childhood Development with Paraprofessional Option. These programs are cognitively and developmentally geared. They meet the requirements for Headstart and childcare directors. These programs may be offered statewide county-to-county as needed.

Partnerships Project

WVUP and WVU were each awarded a grant of $105,000 from West Virginia PDS Initiative for implementation of current partnership projects. Formal working partnerships have been formed with Fairplains, Neale, Williamstown, and Worthington elementary schools. Future partnerships may be developed in the service area as needed.

Appreciation Event

To celebrate 12 successful years, the Education Division may host an appreciation event this spring. School personnel, EPPAC, IMPACT teams, and other entities will be asked to join in this celebration.

State Department Update–Serena Starcher

• Praxis scores may raise

• Alternative certification–a committee has been formed to study the possibility of offering alternative certification

Paperwork for certification is backlogged–the State Department is developing a system to facilitate early submission of fingerprints.