Ball State University
Professional Development Schools Network
University Liaison's Meeting
Thursday, September 4, 2003
3:30 p.m.
Teachers College 113

Summary

Attendance: Diane Bottomley, Kathy Church, Ann Leitze, Greg Marchant, Linda Martin, John Merbler, Jill Miels, Tom Schroeder, Larry Smith, Jackie Stillisano, Ruth Swetnam, Lynnette Varner, Carolyn Walker, Dean Weaver, Nina Yssel

• Lynnette Varner, liaison for Mitchell Elementary School, was welcomed.

• Dean Weaver welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for all the work being done in the schools. He commented that we continue to work on improving communication.

• Ruth Swetnam announced that the PDS Network includes 28 sites for 2003-2004. The PDS relationship with Carmel secondary schools has been discontinued. The planning partnerships are Burris School, Apple Tree Developmental Center, Southside High School and Muncie Boys and Girls Club. Larry Smith suggested that a secondary liaison and an elementary liaison assist with Burris. He will appoint an elementary liaison.

The incentives for the PDSs will no longer include subscriptions to the The Daily News and Update since these publications are available online.

Liaisons were asked to check the website of their school at www.bsu.edu/pds. Annual reviews from each site will be added, if available.

• Dean Weaver invited Tom Schroeder and Greg Marchant to discuss the Title II sponsored project, Learning Assessment Model Project (LAMP). Tom and Greg gave the rationale for LAMP and an overview of the project. Tom asked PDS liaisons to use pieces of LAMP, but he reinforced that it is not a new requirement, and not a requirement in PDSs. Greg directed everyone to the website, www.bsu.edu/tcapps/uas/lamp, for more information.

• Ruth announced that site reviews would be scheduled for St. Mary, Morrison-Mock and Washington-Carver. These take place after a school has been a PDS for three years. She is currently in the process of scheduling the regular fall visit to each PDS.

• Jackie Stillisano, Project Manager for the Title II Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, stated that she will deliver checks for $1000 to the PDSs during the next few weeks. She also announced that Title II will sponsor teams to go to the annual conference of the National Staff Development Council on December 7-10. She distributed a copy of the NSDC booklet to each liaison and asked them to share with individuals in their buildings. They are welcome to call the NSDC office for more copies. She also announced that a focus group would meet on September 15 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to discuss the NSDC process. The group will consist of representatives from all stakeholders. Anyone interested in being considered for participation in the focus group discussion should apply to Jackie.

• Ruth announced the Institute Meeting on November 4 at Minnetrista Cultural Center/Oakhurst Gardens. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and adjourn at 12:30 p.m. Participants will be able to have lunch on their own and will be encouraged to eat with colleagues to continue discussions.
  

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.