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Illinois Mathematics Teacher Educators |
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Organizational Meeting Minutes
October 19, 2002
IMTE meeting minutes 10/19/02
Submitted by Astrida Cirulis, Secretary
The 2nd annual meeting of the Illinois Mathematics Teacher Educators was held at the Hotel Pere Marquette on Saturday, October 19th, 2002 as part of the Illinois Council of Teacher of Mathematics conference in Peoria, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 9:05 by Susan Beal.
In attendance were:
-Darlene Whitkanack
-Brenda Alberico
-Ellen Hines
-Alan Zollman
-Astrida Cirulis
-Beverly Rich
-Marge Mostyn
-Claran Einfeldt
-Carol Castellon
-Al Otto
-Diane Mueller
-Cheryl Lubinski
-Ellen Hines
-Martha Eggers
-Catherine Moushon
-Keith Drew
-George Reese
-Kathleen Smith
-Joan Henn
-Allen Davis
-Karen Duellman
-Dianna Galante
-Tammy Voepel
-Marilyn Hasty
-Todd Oberg
-Debra Gerdes
-Mary McMahon
-Donald Porzio
-Dennis Filliman
-Judith Olson
-Melfried Olson
-Susan Beal
Carol Castellon read the minutes of the 2001 annual meeting. Alan Zollman moved to approve the minutes, Claran Einfeldt seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
Al Otto announced that 80% of the members had voted and the newly elected board of the IMTE consists of:
Copies of the IMTE constitution were distributed.
Susan Beal requested that members pay their $10 yearly dues to the treasurer Carol Castellon. Registrations can be sent to her at P.O. Box 266 Sidney, IL. 61877. Email Carol Castellon. It was agreed that members could also pay for 3 years of dues for $25.00. George Reese stated that the IMTE website was www.mste.uiuc.edu/imte. He also is available with web-related questions at: Email George Reese.
Claran Einfeldt gave an update on state-related issues. Claran stated that really not much was being decided at the state level because of the upcoming state elections. There is however $800,000 of "math money" waiting to be used. Gary Alexander has agreed to be the state representative to IMTE from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Barbara Rissi, from the ICCB was invited to give a report.
Al Otto expressed that if IBHE is really interested in mathematics teacher education, then the IMTE must be involved and kept informed. He, and others would like better communication with IBHE and ICCB.
Barbara Risse, Director of Transfer Programs from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) gave a report on activities involving community colleges in the area of teacher preparation. Because of the "No Child Left Behind" Act, a statewide associate degree is being developed to train paraprofessionals, i.e. teacher aids. Ideally, this also would provide a pathway for completion of a teacher preparation program.
In addition, a model for an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is being developed with representatives from two year and four-year institutions. It will be designed to be transferable to 4-year bachelors degree granting institutions so that students can earn regular teaching degrees in the same amount of time. The AAT development is part of a P-16 initiative led by the University of Illinois, in partnership with ISU and ICCB.
Four committees have been established to work on general education requirements for the AAT, plus requirements for special education, mathematics and science—areas in which there are teacher shortages. Committee members will seek to align general education requirements for the AAT with NCATE standards and to curriculum content that is usually covered in the first two years of a 4-year teaching degree.
Suggestions from IMTE for mathematics preparation of AAT candidates would be welcomed. Members expressed concern that a "D" grade in mathematics courses for general education is currently allowed in the Illinois Articulation Initiative’s General Education Core Curriculum. Ms. Risse said she would inform those working on the AAT that IMTE members recommend a "C" or better grade to ensure that students are satisfactorily prepared.
Alan Zollman asked if AAT transfers would be guaranteed graduation in 4 years. Ms. Risse answered no. Also, she stated that the ICCB recognizes that there is reluctance on the part of four-year institutions to turn over their course work to 2-year institutions but with the current teacher shortage, partnering is critical.
ICCB feels that the Basic Skills Test should be passed before the AAT degree is awarded. At present, the Certification Board has set 35% as the required pass rate for the mathematics portion of the test. Many present feel that this is too low. Al Otto asked if there were any mathematics educators working on the AAT. None of the members present indicated that they have been involved in work on the AAT. Ms. Risse said she would inform ICCB of members’ interest in being part of the discussion. Keith Drew asked if the AAT degree would have tracks, e.g. secondary. The answer was probably not, as the current recommendations for three of the IAI education panels include common courses in the major. Members acknowledged that general education was different in that various levels of mathematics proficiency would be necessary for elementary and special education teachers vs. secondary teachers. Ms. Risse agreed.
Ms. Risse also stated that Joliet Junior College math faculty are working on developing a pilot Math for Teachers course to be taught as an online course. The course could address education students and/or math faculty on teaching the math content in the context of teacher preparation. Skepticism about the course was expressed.
Members suggested that math faculty teaching the Mathematics for Elementary Teachers course be required to visit classrooms to observe best practices for teaching mathematics. Ms. Risse added that this would be a good additional requirement for students of the IAI course, too. She offered to provide this information to the IAI Gen Ed Mathematics Panel.
In closing, Ms. Risse requested that IMTE make recommendations for AAT general education requirements. She will be in touch with Susan Beal.
Susan Beal began discussion of what it means to be a "highly qualified teacher". Al Otto reported that the State has already defined the term in order to implement the No Child Left Behind Act. He presented the news release of September 19, 2002 (www.isbe.net/news/2002/spetpp19-02c.htm). The participants broke up into groups (elementary, middle school and high school) to discuss the issue further. The conversation would continue via email. Groups should submit their comments to Susan Beal, who will forward them to the State.
George Reese felt that k-12 teachers were underrepresented on the IMTE board. Susan Beal asked the members if she could appoint a k-12 educator to the board. It was unanimously agreed. Kathleen Smith was asked to be on the board. Kathleen agreed but added that she felt that many k-12 educators did not feel welcome. Many members agreed that the organization must make an effort to make k-12 teachers welcome into the organization. Claran Einfeldt suggested a brochure about IMTE be developed.
Susan Beal asked if IMTE would like to affiliate with AMTE (Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators). Darlene Whitkanack moved to affiliate. Marilyn Hasty seconded the motion. It was approved. Susan will pursue.
Claran Einfeldt announced that State Farm Insurance had grants to pay for substitute teachers in several counties.
Claran Einfeldt moved to adjourn the meeting. Darlene Whitkanack seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
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