K-16 Network
The steering committee of the Regional K-16 Network met in December at the annual conference of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The committee identified three priorities: PDS partnerships have become an important focus of the Regional K-16 Network because the partnerships have the potential to simultaneously improve teacher preparation and public education. In order to fully realize the PDS vision, PDS practitioners recognize the need for research on the impacts of PDS strategies on student learning. This research can inform educators and policymakers interested in benefiting from the partnerships.In partnership with the Regional Alliance, NEASC, and the Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University, the Massachusetts PDS Network is hosting a regionwide conference on PDS strategies, May 9-10, 1997, at the Holiday Inn in Worcester, Massachusetts. For more information, contact Karen O'Connor, Massachusetts PDS Network steering committee chair, (617) 287-7660, oconnor@umbsky.cc.umb.edu
The Massachusetts PDS Network, the University of Vermont, and the staff of the Regional Alliance are engaged in diverse efforts to assist educators in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the Virgin Islands to create new state-wide PDS networks. For further information about the Regional K-16 Network, contact David Gibson, K-16 Network coordinator, (802) 253-9588, gibsond@quark.vsc.edu or Bob Mclaughlin, (802) 223-0463, bob_mclaughlin@terc.edu
Public Engagement
The Public Engagement Network steering committee has begun to work with representatives from many of the region's states to increase public awareness about the importance of mathematics, science, and technology education. Of special interest to members of the steering committee is creating effective public engagement materials and approaches that focus on high standards, high expectations, and better assessments.The Public Engagement steering committee was started with representatives from the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSIs) in five states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Vermont). At a meeting held in January, the committee identified a number of activities that could be undertaken to make good use of limited resources and draw on the expertise of their colleagues. The group plans to hold regular meetings throughout the year to share successful strategies; explore joint activities that promote parent and community participation; and consider pursuing possible grants for regional efforts. The committee also plans to expand its membership to include representatives from New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and the Virgin Islands.
A Public Engagement listserv has been established to share information among steering committee members. For more information, contact Mark Kaufman, mark_kaufman@terc.edu or Bob McLaughlin, bob_mclaughlin@terc.edu . To contact the Public Engagement steering committee, send an e-mail message to ra-pub-engage@list.terc.edu
Equity
The Equity Network steering committee is planning a September 1997 conference that will prepare participants to assist school districts in gathering and managing school data. The conference is part of the committee's effort to create a regional cadre of trainers who use their knowledge about good data management practices to help local districts develop appropriate systems for gathering and using data to guide local MST reform efforts.
School systems already have many sources of data on student demographics and achievement, instructional practices, funding, and district programs. But many schools and districts need tools to analyze and disaggregate the data. With their knowledge of various strategies and systems, trainers will be able to adapt and create tools to help local educators identify the data they need and want.
The New England Comprehensive Assistance Center, based at the Education Development Center in Newton, Massachusetts, is collaborating with the Regional Alliance on the regional data management initiative.
For more information about the Regional Equity Network and its activities, contact Bob McLaughlin, Regional Alliance co-director, (802) 223-0463, bob_mclaughlin@terc.edu