The first point made was that teachers should understand the content more deeply that the level at which they are teaching.

Stith also emphasized the use of the "three C's" in any discussion:

• Collaboration - working together toward a common goal

• Communication - involves an understanding of both sides of an issue

• Conceptual understanding

Issues that were raised:

• When do we start listening to each other? We do not all agree on the content or structure of a conceptual course.

• Do we listen to the education department? Are we receptive to what they have to tell us?

• How do we learn what the K-12 teaching experience is?

• How de we determine the proper people to have in the room when we have these discussions?

• How do we move beyond ourselves to make sure that other groups' views and needs are being addressed?

• How do we move courses/programs beyond "heroes" and "sheroes" (motivated and talented teachers who are key components of some courses/programs)

• What should be a part of every course? What's the role of political action? What is teh relation of the department and organizations to school boards, state legislatures, etc.?

• Do we believe in science for all or do we believe in science for the elite?

• What can we do now? In the future? How do we evaluate what we have done? Tomorrow will we be part of the solution or part of the precipitate?

Defining a Community Plan:

• Increase presence at CAST

• Support PTRA

• Determine the role of workshops at meetings

• Use marketing to make public aware of our profession

• Write letters to support the attendance of K-12 teachers at section meetings.

• Endorse AAPT statement on teacher preparation

Return to session C1 page