Fall Liaison Meeting Minutes
Friday, August 24, 2007
TC 217
1:00 p.m.

Attendance:  Peggy Lewis, Laurie Mullen, Lynn Staley, Nancy Melser, Sharon Fisher, Linda Taylor, Denise Salsbury, Jill Miels, Lynette Varner, Bonnie Turner, Lisa Pufpaff

Welcome

Peggy Lewis welcomed the group and expressed her extreme pleasure to have the opportunity to direct the PDS Network.  She thanked all who have made sure she has had a warm welcome and lots of help.

Site Review Discussion

The discussion of periodical site reviews included the annual report.  Liaisons reported that the process of a review seems to be viewed as healthy and helpful.  There was discussion that the approach of the site review at times can be seen as threatening, much as receiving a grade from an outside entity.  It was agreed to review the process and look at ways to make it more self-reflective.

The schedule for site reviews was examined.   Eight schools are set for review fall 2007 and 3 for spring 2008.  Peggy suggested that this might be a bit much for this fall and perhaps the site reviews could be spread out so this does not occur each 5 years.  Mitchell and Minnetrista requested delays due to major changes on the sites.  Wes Del may benefit from waiting until the spring since the liaison is new.  Towne Meadow does not need a review since Transition to Teaching students have not been there now for 2 years.  Peggy will send an updated schedule to all liaisons next week.

The annual report was recognized as a tool that is actively tied to the PL221 goals and School Improvement Initiatives in most schools.  Those speaking to the issue said the goals are actively pursued through the year. 

Suggestions were made to give more feedback to the schools in response to the annual reports.  Suggestions included:  responding with a letter from the PDS office; publishing goals on the PDS Web site; sharing the goals and results with the governing board; sharing with other PDS sites.  The important thing is that the work to create the document is acknowledged and the information used.

Several reports were not received for 2006-2007.  It was decided that they did not need to be done at this point, but that all should check to make sure that goals are set for this next year.

The format for the report will be reviewed.  Peggy will look into a form that might be submitted electronically, with the goal being to use data that is submitted within the report.

Stipends and Incentives

A brief discussion indicates that most schools use the $1000 to fund PDS activities and functions.  It was decided to make a description of the expenditures a part of the annual report.

Liaisons noted that the appointment of adjunct faculty is a valued incentive.

There was discussion about the value of the sports tickets.  Peggy reported that the Athletic Department is very willing to support almost any idea we have about bringing people to sports events.  She mentioned a PDS Day at a football or basketball game.  She will find out more and report back.

It was mentioned that schools still refer to going to conferences as a part of the partnership, but local funds do not support this.  It was determined that we would research possible outside funding to return to this practice.  There was discussion about the benefits for all in doing this.

Grants/Funding

Jill Miels introduced the idea of working toward conducting network-wide research on the effects of PDSs and making our PDS program one of national prominence. Peggy added that OARSP is currently looking for grants that would support this.  Re-designing the annual report format could be done to support gathering data.  It was decided that research would be the topic for the fall institute meeting.

Miscellaneous

• There are schools that are eager to become a PDS site.  What is the possibility of replacing some of those who have ended their relationship with BSU?
• Reminder:  Student teachers should RSVP to the museum day events as soon as possible.
• Peggy will be visiting the elementary sites with Dr. Stroud initially.  She will contact the secondary liaisons to set up meetings.
• Linda Taylor announced that she will be speaking at a November conference. She will send more information to post on the Web.
• More information is needed on the (a) role of the liaison for new faculty and
  (b) the definition between a PDS and a partnership.
• Discussed the need/possibility of having liaison meetings throughout the year as opposed to two times. It was noted that meetings with a specific purpose and goal are valuable.  As we are redefining and renewing the PDS Network, specific needs will be addressed.  Meetings will be scheduled to accommodate as many as possible, trying to schedule in tandem with other faculty meetings.