Fall PDS Institute Meeting
November 28, 2007
Minnetrista Cultural Center

Minutes

Attendance:  Jeff Kieffer, Mary Ann Thiery (St. Mary's School); Sara Mitchell, Roy Connor (Muncie Central High School); Michael Garringer, Jeri McCorkle, Cynthia Whitehair (Cowan Elementary); Ron Purtlebaugh, Cindy Iavagnilio (Mitchell Elementary); Cami Zenthoefer, Becky Satterfield, Debbie Collins (Apple Tree Child Development Center);  Chris Landon, Julie Gayes, Sue McClure, Joann Howe (CUMNS); Tracy Shafer, Cynthia Marquell (Wed-Del Elementary); Phil Nikirk, Barb Lumbis, Linda Gibson (Anderson High School); Leslie Shaeffer, Misty Barton, Gary Brown (Wilson Middle School); Lynn Engle, Vicki Marcus, Dale Basham (Southside High School); Tim Gaddie (Minnetrista); Ingrid Grubb (Storer Elementary); Paula Morris, Marisa Bland (Huffer Memorial Children's Center); Karen Boatright, Mary Hendricks, Marcy Schuck (Rhoades Elementary); Jean Ann Clevenger, Cathy Purtlebaugh (Washington-Carver Elementary), Mark Finger, Carol Hill (Anderson Highland High School);  Brad Oliver (Muncie Community Schools); Lisa Berry, Cassie McGill, Christina Coelho (Burris Laboratory School);Jill Miels, Cathy Siebert, Lynette Varner, Denise Salsbury, Lynn Staley, Karen Dowling, Linda Taylor, Bonnie Turner, Diane Bottomley, Joyce Jamerson, Pat Moore, Sharon Fisher (University Faculty Liaisons); Peggy Lewis, Roy Weaver, Laurie Mullen, Tracy Cross, Susan Johnson, Jim Stroud, John Merbler, Jayne Beilke (BSU)

1. Welcome and Introductions
   
   Peggy Lewis, Director of BSU Schools Network, welcomed everyone and introduced BSU deans and chairs and other guests.
   
   
2. PDS in the Teachers College,  Dean Roy Weaver
   
   Dean Weaver related the history of PDS at Ball State and the efforts of those who had worked to see this project to fruition.  He described the growing pains and the many successes of launching such a monumental undertaking.  He discussed the changes that education in general has experienced over the past 10 years and recognized the need for an evolution in PDS from its inaugural stages.  Dean Weaver emphasized that we have an opportunity for change at the present and he encouraged everyone to take this time to renew and redefine their involvement and commitment to PDS.
   
   
3. PDS at Work at BSU, Peggy Lewis
   
   Peggy started her presentation with a quote from The Holmes Partnership Trilogy that describes PDSs as real-world partnerships that work to enhance learning for all.  She continued with a look at her goals and vision for PDS at Ball State and in the schools.
   
    
4. NCATE and PDS,  Dr. Laurie Mullen
   
   Laurie introduced the group to the standards that drive the work at BSU.  She emphasized the connection between standards at the university and at the schools and how they can work together to help us all meet our goals.  She briefly described each of the 6 standards and gave examples of what those look like in practice
   
   
5. Workshop:  Is What We're Doing Working?
   
   Peggy Lewis followed the standards discussion by introducing the workshop segment of the morning.  She presented the three questions for the teams to discuss and the brainstorming worksheets that were available.

? What are the distinct characteristics that define your PDS?
? How do the PDS efforts fit in with your other institutional priorities?
? What part does inquiry play in PDS work?

After the teams worked collaboratively, they were asked to summarize their ideas into two categories:  1) strengths (things we want to keep doing) and, 2) areas to grow.  Each team had an opportunity to report their summary to the group.

In general, the group expressed appreciation for the time to work together with their team and the chance to think about where their PDS work is headed. 

Peggy announced the agenda for the Spring Institute, which will be held at Indianapolis Children's Museum during the week of April 14, 2008.  The specific date will be announced shortly.  Each site was asked to continue their work from the morning and bring rough draft ideas for 2008-2009 PDS goals to the next meeting, along with perceived obstacles and needs to accomplish those goals.  Each site was encouraged to bring a team to the next meeting.