State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching
Meeting Minutes

Location: State Education Department, Seminar Room 5A&B, Albany, New York

1. Call to Order

Day One of the meeting was called to order by co-chair Eric Gidseg at 3:33p.m.

2. Announcements

• Our thanks and best wishes to Marilyn Pirkle, who has resigned from the Board.

• Wireless Internet access is now available for member use during meetings in 5A&B.

• Members are invited to participate on NYSTCE review panels, reviewing submissions of candidates taking the ATS-P. Those interested should contact National Evaluation Systems.

3. Meeting Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the June 2006 meeting be approved.

(Moved by F. Scelsa, seconded by C. Freedman, carried.)

Professional Practices Subcommittee

Catalina Fortino, chair, reported that the subcommittee met on September 20, prior to the full board meeting. The subcommittee discussed the State Revised Plan for NCLB, quality in professional development plans, alternative certification, and mentoring. Some members have concerns about no longer receiving meeting materials by mail. The subcommittee also reviewed 13 Part 83 cases.

Higher Education Subcommittee

Lloyd Jaeger, chair pro tem, reported that the subcommittee met on September 20, prior to the full board meeting. The subcommittee conducted one RATE review, and discussed the status of the RATE program accreditation process to date. The subcommittee recommended that:

1. Now that the first cycle of RATE reviews has been completed, the following elements of the RATE program be reviewed by SED staff and Higher education subcommittee members and adjusted a necessary:

• The rubric for RATE reviews

•  The expectations for institutions meeting conditions placed upon their accreditation

• The expectations for institutions that will receive a second review

• The "weighted" rubric

2. The subcommittee have the opportunity to see the format of institutional reports now being submitted to the Department and how this information is related to preparations for further visits or other methods of determining compliance.

3. Exemplars of institutions successfully completing the RATE accreditation process be shared with the field.

4. A systematic method of tracking the status of institutions be instituted and made available to the subcommittee, including actions taken following the subcommittee’s recommendation, such as additional visits and Regents action.

5. Reports of any follow-up visits be submitted to the subcommittee.

6. The rationale for final Regents action be provided to the subcommittee.

5. Annual Report to the Regents

Pat Allen provided feedback on the Annual Report presentation he made to the Board of Regents on September 11. He reviewed the past year’s activities and indicated that the Board is now setting its priority agenda for the 2006-2007 year. Discussion included the Board’s recommendations regarding CDOS and accreditation of teacher preparation programs.

6. Executive Director’s Report

Bob Bentley reported on the following:

• The Department’s P-16 Initiative that will drive the Department’s work for the next year.

• Orientation to the organization of the Department and major program areas.

• Role of the Standards Board.

• CEO Memorandum on the new leadership certification requirements.

• Considerations regarding the Board’s plan for ongoing communication with the Legislature.

7. Priority Agenda for 2006-2007

Members discussed the Board’s priority agenda for this year and established four priority topics:

• Professional Development

• Full-Day Kindergarten/Universal Pre-K

• High School Graduation Rate

• Teacher Retention

8. Adjournment

The co-chair adjourned Day One of the meeting at 5:34 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2006

Day Two of the meeting was called to order by co-chair Pat Allen at 8:43 a.m.

2. Priority Agenda for 2006-2007

Small groups met to develop plans for each of the priority topics and reported out on their discussions. Notes of each group will be made available to all members for comments and refinement.

Nancy Willie-Schiff reviewed a preliminary version of New York State’s Revised Plan to Enhance Teacher Quality to be submitted in compliance with NCLB requirements. She requested that once the final version becomes available in October, members submit comments in writing and also indicate if there are ways that members’ organizations can support this plan.

4. Certification of Teachers of Students With Disabilities

Joe Frey outlined a proposal to restructure the requirements for Teachers of Students with Disabilities and Childhood Education. Members provided feedback and suggestions.

5. Members Only Web Site

Nancy Taylor Baumes demonstrated the new "Members Only" Web site created for member use. She indicated that refinements and additions will be made based upon members suggestions.

6. Adjournment

Motion to Adjourn.

(Moved by S. Leeds, seconded by J. Perez, carried.)

The co-chair adjourned Day Two of the meeting at 12:18 p.m.