GLS Faculty Advisory Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Notes taken by Vicki Dunlop, member

Members present: Linda Azeez, Jennifer Cvitak, Vicki Dunlop, Mar Fisher, Janice Reynolds

Members absent: Chuck Facer, Doris Grevillius, Trish Goddard, David Hough

Chairperson: Dr. David Brown

We discussed the PTA meeting which was held the night before, It was generally agreed that Greenwood parents have many of the same concerns that the faculty has voiced. Exactly where are going? How do we satisfy expectations which are, at this point, unclear? Who will assess our progress and let us know if it is perceived that the school is or is not moving in the right direction?

The committee addressed the issue of the importance of school stability. Dr. Brown indicated his desire to help focus the school and provide leadership in his brief stay as the “acting director.” He agreed that a search for a new director needed to begin immediately.

The point was made that the lab school has never been opposed to change; we feel we have always functioned as a lab school as dictated by the COE leadership which, over the past several years, has changed frequently. The focus of the lab school has changed with each new Dean’s proprieties. Once again, we need to know what direction the lab school should move for the LONG TERM. Dr. Brown said that the new, long range plans for Greenwood will provide future stability no matter who is “in charge.”

Several committee members mentioned their disappointment in all the negative publicity generated lately about the lab school. We feel that Greenwood has so many wonderful attributes that with some positive PR parents would be clamoring to enroll their children here. Dr. Brown said he will “pummel” the media with the positives from now on.

It was suggested that tuition NOT be raised, if at all possible, during this transition year. Many parents are feeling insecure about what changes might be made at the lab school and a tuition increase just adds to the uncertainty.

In general, teacher morale is still really low, and Dr. Brown said he is aware of this and will work on it. An example was given that many teachers feel overwhelmed with practicum students.

The committee discussed the need for hiring top quality teachers to fill the new positions which are opening up. We would like to see the standards upheld, master’s degree plus three years experience, with appropriate salaries in place to match that requirement. If the faculty is to provide observations and interactions for COE students, then the faculty needs to be “master” teachers and experience generally provides that. It was pointed out, however, that sometimes “new” teachers are often fresh and more agreeable to trying original things. Dr. Brown mentioned that salary concerns are a problem university wide; the best candidates in all departments are often lost due to low salaries.

The need for so many standardized tests, on all grade levels, was briefly discussed. Some teachers lose several weeks of instructional time to administer standardized tests.

Dr. Brown introduced two ideas which may be discussed in the future:

1. The possibility of assigning a coordinator to work as a clearinghouse for requests by the COE to utilize Greenwood. They would work with the teacher on establishing an acceptable level of involvement.
2. Would Greenwood faculty like to explore the possibility of joint appointments with the departments of their major field?

The meeting concluded with Dr. Brown reiterating his desire for open communication. He is also trying to learn the policies and procedures of Greenwood as quickly as he can. In closing, everyone agreed that it was time to exude POSITIVE energy as we move into the future.