N E W S from NC-ACTE
WAYNE'S RAMBLINGS Fall 2008
 Items of Interest by Wayne Dillon, NC-ACTE Executive Secretary
It has been a few months since I have put together a “Ramblings” column. I am sure all of you can relate to how busy this fall has been. Many exciting things have happened this year, and many more are scheduled for the remainder of this school year. The purpose of this column is to highlight some of these. While some of the information may not be “news” for everyone, the briefs included below may be helpful for others. I have chosen to use a bulleted format to deal with each item briefly.
- On a positive note, NC-ACTE’s 26th Annual North Carolina Teacher Education Forum, held on September 18-19, 2008, in Raleigh, was one of the most successful ever. This year’s Forum was built around the theme “Multiple Realities: Implementing Quality in Teacher Education.” Its success is documented by record attendance, a record number of informational and special interest sessions for participants, and enhanced opportunities for sharing and networking. The Planning Committee, co-chaired by Randy Kohlenberg (UNC-G), and Carol Maidon, (Campbell) provided something for almost everyone. Highlights included general sessions featuring North Carolina’s own Dr. Kathy Sullivan, the State Teacher of the Year, the State Principal of the Year, and Dr. Terry James, immediate Past President of the Association of Teacher Educators. Entertainment highlights included the Burke Singers from Winston-Salem State University, as well as Bonnie Bach, harpist. I hope you were a part of this exciting event.
- Many institutions are busy developing plans for re-visioning their preparation programs. Details of these plans are due to SDPI in July, 2009, with implementation to follow. The re-visioning plans are being impacted by actions of the State Board of Education, particularly the implementation of new assessment instruments for principals and teachers, and the revision of all program standards. These revised instruments and standards have mandated changes in how programs are implemented, and how programs and candidates are assessed.
- Other actions of the State Board of Education have included:
- Development and implementation of a training programs for the new School Executive: Principal Assessment Instrument, and Teacher Assessment Instrument;
- Development of a rubric for use in evaluating Preservice Teachers and Principals and the programs that prepare them;
- Renaming of the Hearing Impaired License Area to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing License Area;
- Development of a combination Physical Education and Health License Area;
- Revisions to the Non-Teaching Work Experience and Graduate Pay Policies;
- Creation of a new Regional Alternative Licensure Center (RALC).
- More complete coverage of State Board of Education actions may be accessed at www.ncpublicschools.org/sbe. You are urged to keep abreast of the actions of this Board, since these actions impact preparation program implementation so significantly.
- SDPI has asked for assistance from Higher Education Institutions with the following:
- Development of a comprehensive directory of relevant professional development for the State of North Carolina;
- Development of strategic and systemic professional development modules/courses/resources to fill the gaps in what is available and what is needed related to the Teacher and Executive Standards; and
- Planning and implementation of a Principal Summer Institute.
All of these areas offer opportunities for significant service to and involvement with public schools. You are urged to contact Cheryl Fuller at SDPI to explore ways you and others from your IHE may be involved in these efforts. She may be reached at 919-807-4185, or at cfuller@dpi.state.nc.us.
- I hope many of you will participate in the 2008 School Innovation Day in participating public schools on November 18, 2008. While not all schools are participating, for those that are this special day offers an opportunity to “show off” some of the innovations being implemented in our public schools. For a list of schools participating in your area go to www.dpi.state.nc.us/innovate.
- Plans are being finalized by the Board of Directors for NC-ACTE’s Spring Forum to be held at A & T State University on April 3, 2009. This is a one-day event beginning at 9:00 AM and concluding by 2:30 PM. The theme is “Operationalizing Revisioning,” and will include speaker input, small group sharing, and individual sharing of issues faced and successes achieved by institutions currently involved in the revisioning process. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this information-filled event.
- On the national scene, I hope many of you will be able to attend the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators in Dallas on February 14-18, 2009. The theme is, “The Global Imperative: Educating and Assessing the Whole Child, Teachers, and Community.” For additional information, schedule, conference and hotel registration, go to www.ate1.org and look for the 2009 Annual Meeting icon.
I wish you well as you begin the Spring Semester. I wish each of you a new year filled with joy, peace, and rest. I look forward to our continued work in the exciting Teacher Education Arena in 2009.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
ATE Future Meetings
ATE 2009 Summer Conference, John Ascuaga's Nugget Resort Hotel Casino, Reno, Nevada, August 1-5, 2009
ATE 2010 Annual Meeting, Chicago Hilton and Towers, February 13-17, 2010
ATE 2011 Annual Meeting, Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida, February 9-16, 2011
ATE 2012 Annual Meeting, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, February 12-16, 2012
ATE 2013 Annual Meeting, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, President's Day Weekend
AACTE Future Annual Meeting & Exhibits Dates and Sites (click to follow link)
2010: February 26-March 1, Hilton Atlanta
2011: February 24-27, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
2012: February 10-13, Hyatt Regency Chicago
2013: February 9-12, Hilton New York
On this page newsworthy items from members, state education agencies and organizations, and teacher education institutions will be posted. NC-ACTE members can submit items of interest, announcements, and other items to Randy Kohlenberg. The content will change when information is available.
Autumn on the Tar River 
On this page newsworthy items from members, state education agencies and organizations, and teacher education institutions will be posted. NC-ACTE members can submit items of interest, announcements, and other items to Randy Kohlenberg. The content will change when information is available.
Autumn on the Tar River 
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