Education Advisory Group Meeting 09.24.2007

Co-Chair Richard Shaink called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

1. Introductions

Dick Shaink, co-chair, welcomed all in attendance and asked them to introduce themselves and their organization. A special welcome was made to new CTE Director Frederic Stanley, Genesee ISD. Fred serves as vice chair to the EAG.

2. EAG Membership

Membership changes for the EAG for 2007-08 were shared as follows:

Craig Coney, Interim CEO/President, Career Alliance, Inc., replacing Pamela Loving

Fred Stanley, CTE Director, GISD, replacing Gary Tower who retired

Linda Thompson, Superintendent, Flint Schools, replacing Dr. Walter Milton

Cindy Weber, Superintendent, Durand Schools, replacing Jan Amsterburg

Clyde Bell, Principal, GASC Technology Center, replacing Doug Weir

Larry Ford, Jr. asked to be removed from membership

Darryl Grace removed from membership (no longer employed at Job Corps)

Dr. Gary Lipe, Superintendent, Grand Blanc Schools, retired, removed from membership

Discussion was held on obtaining a representative to serve on the EAG from the Genesee Early College.

3. Letters of Intent

Fred Stanley reported that as a result of the many changes anticipated for state-approved CTE programs due to the new Perkins IV federal legislative requirements, the career cluster development, and the CTE standards project, the State will only be accepting new CTE program applications on a very limited basis during the 2007-08 planning cycle.

· There will be a one-year moratorium on all additional new CTE program applications for state approval. We strongly encourage that this year be used to review and evaluate your current state-approved programs for the implementation and adoption of the statewide standards. This moratorium was referred to in announcements for the 2005-06 and the 2006-07 new CTE program planning cycles.

· Less-Than-Class-Size Program Notifications for 2007-08 were made available to the field in July and are due to the State by September 26, the Friday after the student count date in September of 2007.

· New and Emerging Program Applications for 2007-08 were made available to the field in July and are due to the State by October 1, 2007. Please note that applicants must operate new and emerging programs with national standards and certifications using a strong business and industry partnership.

Fred stated that there are no new and emerging programs at this time.

4. WIRED-MMIT – Career Readiness ACT WorkKeys

Fred reported that as part of President Bush’s new Competitiveness Agenda, the US Department of Labor has competitively selected 13 economic regions from across the country to assist in the networking of their regional assets. Each region will receive approximately $15 million in funding over a three-year period. Discussion was held on the WorkKeys certification process and the cost involved. A meeting of the MMIT is scheduled for November. A process to involve the business leaders in our county will be discussed at the next EAG meeting.

5. WIA Updates

Donna Burmeister reported on the summer program for Genesee County. This year’s program was very successful with all 34 students completing the program. The program focused on career exploration and visits to the Base Camp at GASC Technology Center. A recognition ceremony was held at the culmination of the program where students received certificates.

Sharon Ganssley reported on the summer program for Shiawassee County. The program began with 42 students and culminated with 40 completers. Of the 40, 13 had perfect attendance. This program provided paid work experience. Shiawassee’s year-round program services ten in-school and ten out-of-school youth. All students have disabilities and/or are juvenile offenders.

Troy Napier reported on the summer program held at Baker College of Owosso. This six-week program was attended by approximately 45 students. Attendance was good. Lack of funding is a concern as many students desiring to participate are being turned away.

Much discussion was held on the barriers that keep this program from operating at full potential. Dr. Shaink suggested that a position paper be drafted by the EAG referencing funding issues, outcomes, and the billing process. Fred Stanley volunteered to chair this endeavor. The position paper will be shared with the EAG and then forwarded to state legislators.

6. CTE Curriculum Academies

Brian Pyles reported that new standards for CTE curriculum should be rolled out by the State Department by December of this year. And end-of-program exam will be a piece of the new curriculum. He reiterated how critical it is to work within core content. Brian and Fred Stanley will be working together to provide guidance, leadership and timelines to local districts. It is required that local districts present new curriculum to their boards of education for approval. County continuity is critical in this initiative. Perkins dollars will be used to support this effort this year.

7. Tech Prep Planned Activities (Handout)

Tech Prep supports professional development and curriculum alignment activities that link secondary and postsecondary education to create seamless transitions for students in approved CTE/occupational programs. A composite list of Tech Prep activities/workshops planned for Genesee and Shiawassee Counties for 2007-08 was distributed. Several Regional Tech Prep Partnership Requests for regional events and workshops have been received and 16 approved as of this date. Planned activity involves the areas of cosmetology, drafting and design technology, engineering/human services – gender equity, health sciences information technology, manufacturing, machine tool operations, mechanical engineering, personal and culinary services, visual communications technology, child and custodial care services, construction trades, business management and administration, and automotive technology. It was decided that national conferences for individual teachers are not being considered for Tech Prep funding. The primary focus will be on articulation of programs. Added Cost and Perkins dollars can be used for teacher professional development.

Comments from members were positive for the New Horizons Trainings that have been held over the past year.

The next meeting of the EAG is as follows:

Monday, December 3, 2007

8:00 a.m.

Sylvester Broome Center

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

Approval of Minutes:

Dr. M. Richard Shaink, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

Mr. Tim Herman, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

GT/RS/FS:ct

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Meeting Summary

September 24, 2007

Genesee ISD