Linking Leaders National Conference 2005

Make plans now to attend the Linking Leaders National Conference, February 9-11, 2005. Linking Leaders alumni coalitions are invited to participate in an exploration of the successful past and promising future of this NASA-sponsored program and to celebrate 10 years of progress in systemic improvement efforts. The agenda includes guest speakers such as Larry Gonick (www.larrygonick.com), a reception at the International Spy Museum (www.spymuseum.org/) and sessions with representatives from various government agencies and other potential funders of coalitions activities. This conference is also an opportunity for your coalition to share its accomplishments and future plans.

For more information, visit www.nassmc.org/llnc.html.

Tell Us About Your Linking Leaders Coalition

As part of the Linking Leaders National Conference 2005 celebration, NASSMC will compile and produce a book about the alumni coalitions and Linking Leaders program history. In order to have the book ready for distribution at the February 2005 Linking Leaders National Conference, please submit the following information in electronic form to Jane George at jgeorge@nassmc.org no later than December 31, 2004.

• Linking Leaders Year(s)/Class
• Name of Coalition
• Date Founded
• Founding Members
• Current Members
• Mission Statement
• Brief History

• Key Accomplishments to Date
• Future Plans
• Contact Information Including Website URL
• One of the following: Proudest Accomplishment, Funny Anecdote or Short War Story

This is also an opportunity for you to update your profile information on the NASSMC website: www.nassmc.org/coalitions.html. If you are unsure how to do this, please contact Deborah Jones at dtjones@nassmc.org. We look forward to receiving your contribution to the Linking Leaders book and to seeing you at the February 2005 Linking Leaders National Conference.

NASSMC State Summits Implementation Program

An Announcement of Opportunity will be issued on November 15, 2004 for states interested in participating in the NASSMC State Summits Implementation Program (NSSIP) . This program is designed to assist state-based organizations in the planning, development, administration, implementation and follow-up of state mathematics and science education summits. NSSIP provides assistance to state based organizations with planning, developing, administering, implementing, following-up and sustaining state mathematics and science education summits that:

• address the critical need to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for all students;
• promote active participation of state business, education and public policy leaders;
• engage underserved and underrepresented communities in state and national efforts to improve STEM education;
• have an agenda focusing energy on the state's critical STEM education issues;
• capitalize on NASA's commitment to assist and motivate educators and students at all levels to pursue STEM-related fields and to improve our nation's scientific literacy;
• address national issues raised by the U.S. Department of Education's National Mathematics and Science Summits;
• address the needs of the 21st Century workforce; and
• include a comprehensive public awareness and engagement plan.

Two opportunities are available through this program: [1] NSSIP Grant and [2] STEM Summit Catalyst Program.

NSSIP is made possible by funding from NASA and the U.S. Department of Education, and in cooperation with other national agencies and organizations.

Program solicitation, deadlines and resources are available at www.nassmc.org/summits.html.

Massachusetts STEM Summit

Jane George and Jim McMurtray attended the Massachusetts STEM Summit on Monday, October 25. The theme—"Fueling the Pipeline for the Massachusetts Innovation Economy"—was addressed by sessions and speakers representing business, education and public policy. Summit sponsors included the Engineering in Mass Collaborative, The NSF Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere, Raytheon Company, Analog Devices, Inc., the Millipore Foundation, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Department of Education. Representatives from NASA and the U.S. Department of Education were also in attendance.

Featured Resources

The Engineer of 2020: Visions of Engineering in the New Century
National Academy of Engineering
(www.nap.edu/books/0309091624/html/)
To help maintain the nation's economic competitiveness and improve the quality of life of the world's population, engineering education in the U.S. must anticipate and adapt to dramatic changes in engineering practice in the coming decades. The report recommends ways to improve engineers' training and prepare them for the complex technical, social and ethical questions raised by emerging technologies.

The Science and Engineering Workforce: Realizing America's Potential
National Science Board Report
(www.nsf.gov/nsb/documents/2003/nsb0369/start.htm)
The National Science Board has examined how science and technology are and will continue to be engines of U.S. economic growth and national security and finds that national-level action is needed to ensure our country's capacity in science and engineering in an increasingly competitive and changing global labor market. Read and download the entire report here.

CEP Analysis of State NCLB Accountability Plan Changes
The Center on Education Policy's has analyzed the amendments approved by the U.S. Department of Education to state accountability plans under the No Child Left Behind Act. In short, these changes are likely to have the effect of enabling more schools to make adequate yearly progress. The report analyzes the approved amendments to 35 state plans. Click here to download a PDF copy of the report.

Science Companion
Science Companion was formed to bring science to younger students. Distributed by Pearson Scott Foresman, the curriculum products focus on students in K-5 and work to integrate science into other disciplines. Learn more about Science Companion at www.sciencecompanion.com.

New NASSMC Board of Directors Officers

In September NASSMC installed a new President, Vice President and Treasurer. Francis Eberle, Executive Director of the Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance and former Board Vice President, became the new NASSMC President. Joanne Lang, Vice President of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and former Board Treasurer, became the Vice President. Douglas Heuser, Co-Founder/Executive Director SEE Science Center, became Board Treasurer.

NASSMC thanks each of the new and recent past officers for their willingness to serve.

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program

If you know an educator in your state or region that might make a good candidate for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellowship Educator Program, encourage them to visit the Triangle Coalition website at www.triangle-coalition.org/ein.htm for more information on the program and the application process. You can also submit names to the Triangle Coalition so that they can contact the individuals and invite them to apply. The application is now available online and can be accessed from the web address noted above as well.  

The program is a unique and rewarding opportunity for educators to share their expertise with education leaders, policymakers, and agency heads. The background and knowledge they bring to Washington, DC can make a difference.  

If you need more information or have names to share please email Debbie Murray at murrayd@triangle-coalition.org. The Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education is responsible for managing the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, NASA, NOAA, and other governmental agencies.

Titan Flyby

Greater surface detail than ever before has now been seen as a result of the October 26 flyby of Titan by the Cassini spacecraft. Images and data show that Titan has lost much of its original atmosphere over time. Cassini came within 1,174 kilometers (730 miles) of Titan during the close encounter. The latest information and images from Cassini are available at www.nasa.gov/cassini. Additional information on the mission and raw images are at saturn.jpl.nasa.gov.

Center on Education Policy Report: NCLB School Restructuring in Michigan
On Tuesday, November 9, 2004, the Center on Education Policy released a report examining the NCLB school restructuring process in Michigan. The report, Makeover, Facelifts, or Reconstructive Surgery: An Early Look at NCLB School Restructuring in Michigan, is posted on the Center's web site at: www.cep-dc.org/fededprograms/Michigan_Nov2004.pdf.