Educational Studies & Secondary Education Meeting Agenda
November 11, 2013 (3:00 PM-4:00 PM), MCHS 1148
In Attendance:
Facilitator: Ralph Feather
Note Taker: Jeanne Dayhoff
Michael Ruffini, Nancy Bauer, William Simpson, Daniel Roesch, Denise Coy, Bill Ramsey,
Diane Elliott, Denise Davidson, Ray Pastore, Mark Bauman, Mindy Andino, Mary Braccili,
Thomas Starmack, Michael Patte, George Croll, Kate Nichols
1. Approval of agenda and minutes from last meeting.
Both agenda and last meetings minutes from 10/28 were approved.
2. Promising Educator…Kate Nichols
Kate Nichols from Exceptionalities came to discuss the Promising Educator Award. This is for
students that are overall exceptional in both course work and out in the field. They get a
certificate, their name publicly posted, and entered in for a gift card drawing. This is open to
both grad and undergrads. They will also get entered in a drawing to have lunch with the Dean.
Dr. Starmack asked if data was collected for research purposes such as student names and
department they are in. Kate stated right now they just have the numbers of those who have been
entered for it. Dr. Feather was told by Kate that it would not be used to show what departments
are not getting/putting out high quality students. Dr. Feather recommended a post term
evaluation of the fall 2013 students for the Preferred Teacher. Denise Davidson seconded the
motion.
3. Scholarship opportunities (update review): Secondary Education
a. Anne J. Maslow and Mary R. Kuc Memorial Scholarship ($1240): Must have a
3.0 GPA and maintain that to receive the Spring portion.
b. Bernard and Frances Young Scholarship ($1560 per year; 2 awards): Junior or
senior status in semester of award payment; minimum 3.0 GPA; indication of
promise as a reliable member of the teaching profession; financial need; teacher
of Geoscience.
c. Recommended last month: Steven Shorter, Erin Nosek, and Richard Hampson
There were no more recommendations for the scholarships. Dr. Starmark elaborated a little on
Steven Shorter. He stated he is an older non-traditional student with military service. Dr.
Bauman moved and Dr. Roesch seconded the motion for all scholarship candidates. Dr. Feather
needs to check on Richard Hampson to see if he is a grad student.
4. Review of the new Lesson Plan and Unit Plan Rubrics and Exemplars (Michael Ruffini)
Dr. Ruffini stated he had sent all Rubric lesson plans to everyone. He will update this by the
email responses he gets. The cutoff is November 15th. He met with the group last week and they
made adjustments accordingly. It was noted that PA did not adopt the “common core standards”
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and therefore that needs to be changed. Dr. Feather pointed out that there should be a separate
rubric for out in the field verses in the class. Dr. Starmack pointed out this is for any class with
lesson plans. He also stated that the student has to do lesson plans both down and up. This
would include those that are gifted all the way to those with disabilities. Dr. Feather reminded
that this is already part of the curriculum.
5. Departmental Committee and Other Reports
a. Professional Development: Observation Schedule?
Dr. Pastore says he has 10 out of the 15. He stated all have either both done or at
least one.
b. Search and Screen
Denise Davidson said they are currently doing the phone interviews. She noted the
temporary pool ends in July and once the reorganization occurs, the candidates will
need to reapply.
c. Curriculum: No report
d. Promotion
Dr. Pastore has three in. Dr. Pastore and Dr. Patte will need to review them.
e. Tenure
All materials are in for this.
f. Student ASCD
Dr. Pastore noted that they still are putting a table up for students to look at this.
6. Working toward a smooth reorganization (positive ideas?)
Dr. Feather reminded to give him any ideas for this transition.
7. Winter Session Update: Courses (EDFOUND 204, EDFOUND 414, EDFOUND 522)
As of 11/11/2013 meeting:
Edfound 204=1 enrolled
Edfound 414= 7 enrolled
Edfound 522= 0 enrolled
8. Scheduling Issues:
a. Schedule students into PSYCH 214 in place of 212, 210, and 211. Hopefully
PSYCH 212 will be back next term.
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Dr. Feather asked to put students in 214 this semester. He asked for advisors to
contact their students in 211 and 210 and have them switch to 214.
b. Sending students to the office to fill out forms for specific classes.
i. EDFOUND 291 has EDFOUND 251 as a prerequisite (co-requisite is
okay)…do not advise or sign off on the reverse.
Dr. Feather stated this rule is for Secondary Ed. not Elementary Ed. or
Exceptionalities.
ii. Higher level courses are for TE students with one exception…PAPA
c. Scheduling issues for graduate classes: Low enrollment could lead to class
cancellations.
Dr. Starmack noted that enrollment is low because most students wait until their
district reimburses them and then schedule in January.
d. We have 123 student teachers for next term.
e. Recent visits with future transfer students from LCCC.
Dr. Feather said this takes too much time and that it is difficult to counsel students on
what to take since they won’t be transferring for two years.
9. Open House: Still need volunteers for next term
Mark Bauman and William Simpson are signed up to do the one in April.
10. Emeritus status for Richard Beierschmitt (update report)
Dr. D’Angelo has forwarded it on.
11. General Education Update: Adding targets to the documents for each class
Dr. Feather will send out an email stating more on this subject. He said the targets are aimed
at seeing if students are reaching the levels they are supposed to.
12. Open Forum
Dr. Pastore needs input on Christmas party. He stated there will be a surprise cake for Vera
on December 5th at 4:00 pm.
13. Adjournment 
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