NEW MEXICO PARTNERSHIP FOR MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION Meeting 1/15/98, 9:30 AM 218 Computing and Networking Building, NMSU, Las Cruces Attending: Kurt Anderson, Pat Baggett, Michele Buntain, Jerry Everhart, Rita Gonz^Çlez, Elaine Hampton, Carrie Hernandez, Barbara Kimbell, Kim McNutt, Feliciano Mendoza, Richard Nygren, Kathryn Powell, Marilyn Scargall, Rick Scott, Bryan Swain, Charles Watkins I. NASSMC Report - Rick Scott reported that he, Vicente Llamas, Barbara Kimbell form CETP and Larry Rucker (from the State Department of EducationÕs Professional Standards Commission) attended the meeting of the National Association of State Science and Math Coalitions (NASSMC) in Baltimore from November 20 to 23. As a result of conversations at that meeting, plans are underway to invite Bill Hammers from the Kansas Coalition to meet with representatives from New MexicoÕs corporate sector to discuss ways that they can collaborate with the Partnership with respect to reform in Math and Science education. II. Update on visit from NSF re Teacher Enhancement - Elaine Hampton reported on the meeting held in Albuquerque last November with Shiela Sconiers from NSF concerning possibilities for Teacher Enhancement grants. Dr. Sconiers encouraged us to apply at any time for planning grants that would involve school districts in considering professional develop in the use of comprehensive standards-based curricula in math or science. III. Update on proposed collaboration with SEDL - Elaine Hampton also shared information on the possibility of two efforts with assistance from the Southwest Education Develop Lab (SEDL). One involves what is being called the ÒTIMSS Road ShowÓ. The plan is to bring together about 50 people to receive information about the Third International Math & Science Study (TIMSS) and to discuss appropriate ways to disseminate that information in New Mexico. The current plan calls for the meeting to be held on April 23 and 24 in Albuquerque. Richard Nygren will approach the Museum of Natural History as a possible site for the meeting. The other opportunity involves $5000 to help with a meeting that the Partnership feels would help promote our mission in the state. Those present felt that a meeting that would bring together 50 principals to assist them with their new responsibilities concerning new assessment and school accountability requirements. Elaine will contact Pat Rael at the State Department of Education on realizing this endeavor. IV. Update on Licensure Competency Revisions - Marilyn Scargall, the Director of Licensure at the State Department of Education gave an overview of the process that will bring about the revision of the Licensure Competencies. This year the endorsement competencies for Language Arts, Information Technology, Library/Media, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science will be revised. She and Barbara Kimbell reported on comments that had been made at the meeting of Education Deans concerning a request for input on education legislation in the upcoming session (through http://legis.state.nm.us/), and concerning a letter from Bruce Hamlett, the Director of the Commission on Higher Education, to Michael Davis, the State Superintendent of Education, suggesting collaboration in increasing the quantity and quality of teacher preparation in New Mexico. Rick Scott shared a letter from Marilyn responding to questions about licensure that had been raised at the last Partnership meeting. V. Project Reports A. AMP - Michele Buntain reported on the Alliance for Minority Participation. She indicated that all public universities and community colleges are participating in providing scholarship and other support to minority students who are studying mathematics, science, engineering or technology. She stressed that, although the financial aid has been important, the emotional support offered through AMP is often even more important than the financial. B. EXXON grant - Pat Baggett of NMSUÕs Math Department provided information an EXXON Foundation Grant that is supporting the develop of course called ÒAlgebra and Geometry for K-8 TeachersÓ. Both in-service and pre-service teachers are participating in the course. She hopes that the course will serve as the basis for increased mathematics requirements for elementary education majors and of a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Mathematics. She also gave information on an institute for instructors of mathematics contents courses for elementary teachers. The institute will be held at NMSU, April 18-21, and has received funding from the Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP). C. SCIAD - Frank Bryce characterized the Las Cruces version of the Science Advisors program as community based.. Although most of their Science Advisors come from White Sands and NMSU, many other agencies and individuals are involved. D. WERC - Bryan Swain and Kim McNutt gave an overview of the many activities of the Waste Management Education Resource Center (WERC). Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) provides professional development opportunities for teachers and nonformal educators concerning water quality. Other professional development opportunities are made available through Project Learning Tree in forestry and Project WILD on animals. WERC also sponsors an environmental design contest for high school students and environmental education workshops with EPA funding. E. NM Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum - Carrie Hernandez, the Outreach Coordinator of the new Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces explained that they are in the process of receiving input concerning outreach needs and possibilities. Among the projects they have underway is the development of an electronic classroom at the museum. VI. Announcements Jerry Everhart encouraged Partnership members to take a look at the CETP Web Page (www.enmu.edu/cetp), and provide input and feedback. Richard Nygren reported that a group as put together a Òmap of educationÓ for New Mexico. We hope soon to let you know where that map can be seen on the Web. VII. Next meeting time and place. The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 23, 9 AM-noon, in Albuquerque. Richard Nygren will check to see if we can meet at the Museum of Natural History.