The mission of the Iowa Science
Teachers Section of the Iowa
Academy of Science is to advocate
for excellence in science education
by promoting professionalism,
influencing policy, and enhancing learning.

The mission of the Iowa Academy of Science is to further scientific research and its dissemination, education in the sciences, public understanding of science, and recognition of excellence in these endeavors.

Iowa Science Teachers Section

of the Iowa Academy of Science

April 21, 2004

Contents of the ISTS e-newsletter that follows:

·        By Way of Introductions

·        Top 5 Reasons to be a Member of ISTS

·        ISTS Fall ’04 Conference

·        ISTS Leadership Team

·        Announcements

·        State Science Policy News

By way of introductions…

I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve you in this position as ISTS President for 2004-05.  And I mean Serve in whatever way I can to help you in your professional endeavors. I know I’m speaking for the entire leadership team (named below) and echoing the fantastic legacy of leadership this organization has enjoyed.

We’ve already begun planning for what promises to be an outstanding 2004 ISTS conference next October 21.  You can do your part by: 1) passing the word among colleagues of the rejuvenating power of the ISTS Fall Conference; 2) Proposing to share some of the good things you do with science education colleagues (see Fall Conference info below); and 3) Blocking off October 21 2004 on your calendar to join in the informative fun!

Jeff Weld, ISTS President, 2004-05

Top 5 Reasons to be a member of ISTS

1. Link to science colleagues through the Iowa Academy of Science, and get the Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science

2. The finest annual conference of science teachers in the U.S., with member discount and presenter’s reduced registration!

3. An affiliation with like-minded professionals, bringing the respect of clientele, community, administrators

4. An informative electronic newsletter (volume 1 before you now!)

5. Support an organization that works on your behalf to:

1. Network with other state and regional groups

2. Recognize excellence through award programs

3. Represent your interests to governmental bodies

4. Maintain a high standard of excellence in science education across the state of Iowa

ISTS Fall ‘04 Conference  October 21, 2004

Your conference team is already hard at work to make the 2004 ISTS Fall Conference an invigorating science education experience. Please consider proposing to share some of the work you do at the conference.  You can access the proposal form on-line at http://ists.pls.uni.edu/       (deadline: May 21)

ISTS Leadership Team, FYI

Jeff Weld, President

Ernie Schiller, Past President

Jeanne Rogis, Treasurer

Sara Coleman, Secretary

Barb Jacobsen, Exhibits coodinator

Kacia Kane, Facilities Chairperson

Aaron Spurr, Webmaster

Kim Isbell, Elementary Section Chair

Suzette Smedes, Earth Science Section Chair

Heather Adams, Chemistry Education Section Chair

AEA Regional Directors:

     Birgitta Meade (1)

     Bob Veselis (2)

     Molly Foss (4)

VACANT (6)

     Karen Couch-Breitbach (7)

     Tom Ervin (9)

     Kara Hageman (10)

     Kacia Kane (11)

     Jim Kollman (12)

     Shannon Cde Baca (13)

     Kathy Lockard (14)

     Gale Vermeulin (15)

     Nadine Weirather (16)

IAS Office: Sue DeBord, Marcey Seavey

Tony Heiting, DOE Science Consultant

Kathy McKee, DOE Environmental Education Consultant

(And always looking for good people. Send an e-mail to jeff.weld@uni.edu if you wish to be more involved.)

Announcements

• Past-President Ernie Schiller is Iowa Teacher of the Year 2004-05!

• Sara Coleman was honored with the Milken Educator Award earlier this Spring!

• Your own Iowa Academy of Science is proud to present the Excellence in Science Teaching Award to Jeff Seiwert of Pella HS, Lori Ihrig of Williamsburg HS, and Doug Richardson of Norwalk MS!

• Tom Ervin (ISTS President 1995) was recently recognized with the UNI Heritage Honors Award for Alumni Achievement!

• (Doubtlessly other recognitions and announcements exist out there. Please forward to jeff.weld@uni.edu)

State science policy news

• Early indicators of Iowa’s compliance with NCLB are available. See the full story at

http://www.state.ia.us/educate/ecese/nclb/reportcard.html

• Foundation for Change: Focusing on Iowa High Schools This report is the end product of a year-long comprehensive study of Iowa high schools. The report includes documentation as to why change is needed, a literature review and recommendations for change. See the full report at http://www.state.ia.us/educate/ecese/fohs/index.html

Invitation to improve/contribute to this newsletter

How best can this newsletter serve you? What sorts of material are of most value? Something to contribute for the good of the ISTS membership? Zing me a line at jeff.weld@uni.edu.