The regular meeting of the Washington Geographic Alliance (WGA) Board of Directors was called to order at 6:42 p.m. by Tim Schultz in the home of Richard Kennedy and Heidi Morgan, 18825 6th Avenue SW, Normandy Park, Washington.
Present: President Tim Schultz of Green River Community College (GRCC), Vice-President Meghan Hoyer of St. Philomena School, Treasurer Heidi Morgan of the National Geographic Society's (NGS) Grosvenor Council, Secretary Richard Kennedy of the NGS's Grosvenor Council, and Director Pat LeRoy of St. Francis of Assisi School.
A motion to approve the draft minutes of the Board of Directors meeting of July 3, 2008 was made by Tim and seconded by Pat. The motion passed unanimously.
Tim has completed all action items related to the Summer Institute with the exception of Kyle Dye's report that is pending. His semi-annual Public Engagement Coordinator (PEC) Activity Report is pending. Due to Midwest flooding, our original pencil order has been delayed. Additional information has been sent to GRCC so that an order for our 5,000 branded pencils can be made. The meetings with Judy Hartmann and Frank Chopp still need to be scheduled. The Boeing grant application is pending. Western Washington University has no venue in the Seattle-Tacoma area to present the two-credit Geographic Information Systems Survey (EGEO-250). The 5-year plan is on tonight's agenda. The list of schools offering Advanced Placement in Geography and the Assessment of Geographic knowledge are both still pending.
Heidi obtained a copy of the International Baccalaureate reading list used at Mt. Rainier High School for the summer of 2008:
The 5-year plan is on tonight's agenda. GRCC has sent Heidi information needed for the IRS Form 990A.
Meghan has completed all action items related to the Summer Institute. Meghan is still having trouble getting a reply from Newspapers in Education. To get her email working, she will call Richard to make an appointment. Meghan will be working with NGS to get materials to distribute at the Puyallup Fair and to assure delivery of the giant North America map.
Pat has completed all action items related to the Summer Institute. Pat's registration at the OneCause web site is pending. Locating a suitable location at St. Francis School to have a giant world map painted is on hold until the fall.
Richard continues to work on a revision to our travel policy. Tim was emailed the approved version of the WGA logo and a flyer on our web site and OneCause. A sympathy card was sent to Dan Beaupre due to the passing of his father-in-law. The cloth carrying bags were delivered to the Summer Institute for distribution to the participants. Stan Cross said in a telephone call that we can give materials like books and pencils away at the Puyallup Fair. The Giant North American map is on the agenda. The meetings with Judy Hartmann and Frank Chopp still need to be scheduled. Senator Murray's cosponsorship of S.727 still has not appeared on the THOMAS web site. After incorporating revisions, Richard submitted his application to the UW Certificate Program in Fundraising Management. The 5-year plan is on tonight's agenda.
The checking account balance as of July 31, 2008 is $460.65. There was no account activity since the last report.
Richard asked Mary Armstrong's strategy leader Terry M. Mutter for status on the effort to get WGA eligible for the Boeing Company Gift Matching program. As of August 5, he has not replied.
GRCC rules prevent us from using grant monies to purchase food outside of their facilities. Tim's prior request for use of our funds to supply the Summer Institute attendees with snacks such as ice cream was approved by the board. Tim presented the following receipts from the Summer Institute for reimbursement:
A motion to approve the reimbursement of $99.77 to Tim for Summer Institute expenses was made by Meghan and seconded by Pat. Tim recused himself from the vote. The motion passed unanimously. Tim was issued WGA check #1001 for $99.77.
A meeting with the Speaker of the House, Frank Chopp needs to be scheduled. His 43rd Legislative District includes the University of Washington. We should enlist the support of Professor James Harrington, Jr. of the University of Washington who gave supportive testimony for us in Olympia.
In addition, a meeting needs to be scheduled with Judy Hartmann, Executive Policy Advisor for K-12 Education, in the Governor's office to discuss placing the endowment funding in the Governor's budget.
The following teachers attended our 2008 Summer Institute, held July 7-11 at the Kent campus of GRCC.
Several surveys were given to the students to obtain their feedback. The survey questions and their results follow:
| Great: top 10% |
Good: top 25% |
Average: around 50% |
Poor: bottom 25% |
Bad: lowest 10% |
Rating Average |
Response Count |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall quality of presentations | 57.1% (12) | 42.9% (9) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.43 | 21 |
| Presentations by Tim Schultz | 90.5% (19) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.1 | 21 |
| Presentation by Meghan Hoyer | 68.4% (13) | 31.6% (6) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.32 | 19 |
| Presentation by Pat LeRoy | 55.0% (11) | 30.0% (6) | 5.0% (1) | 10.0% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 1.7 | 20 |
| Presentation by Emily Nuchols | 47.6% (10) | 42.9% (9) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.62 | 21 |
| Presentation by Gina Bloodworth | 76.2% (16) | 19.0% (4) | 4.8% (1) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.29 | 21 |
| Field trip to Enumclaw | 57.1% (12) | 42.9% (9) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.43 | 21 |
| Field trip to West Seattle | 71.4% (15) | 28.6% (6) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.29 | 21 |
| Overall quality of field trips | 57.1% (12) | 38.1% (8) | 4.8% (1) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.48 | 21 |
| General geographic knowledge learned | 52.4% (11) | 47.6% (10) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.48 | 21 |
| Theoretical geographic knowledge learned | 71.4% (15) | 28.6% (6) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.29 | 21 |
| Applicability of the Institute to your classroom | 55.0% (11) | 35.0% (7) | 10.0% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.55 | 20 |
| Very Likely | Likely | Unlikely | Very Unlikely | Average Rating |
Response Count |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporate more geography into my teaching in the next year. | 90.5% (19) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.1 | 21 |
| Talk about ideas learned in this Institute with my coworkers. | 100.0% (21) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1 | 21 |
| Give a professional development presentation on geography at the local (school district) level. | 35.0% (7) | 35.0% (7) | 30.0% (6) | 0.0% (0) | 1.95 | 20 |
| Give a professional development presentation on geography at the regional level. | 28.6% (6) | 23.8% (5) | 33.3% (7) | 14.3% (3) | 2.33 | 21 |
| Give a professional development presentation on geography at the state level. | 28.6% (6) | 19.0% (4) | 42.9% (9) | 9.5% (2) | 2.33 | 21 |
| Recommend this institute to other teachers. | 90.5% (19) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.1 | 21 |
| Apply to future WGA programs. | 76.2% (16) | 14.3% (3) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 1.33 | 21 |
| Contact my representatives in support of geography education. | 42.9% (9) | 38.1% (8) | 14.3% (3) | 4.8% (1) | 1.81 | 21 |
| Very interested |
Somewhat interested |
Somewhat uninterested |
Very uninterested |
Rating Average |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| giving undergraduate credit? | 23.8% (5) | 23.8% (5) | 23.8% (5) | 28.6% (6) | 2.57 |
| giving graduate credit? | 42.9% (9) | 23.8% (5) | 23.8% (5) | 9.5% (2) | 2.00 |
| of one day in length on a weekend? | 71.4% (15) | 19.0% (4) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 1.38 |
| of two days over two weekends? | 57.1% (12) | 33.3% (7) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 1.52 |
| combining Internet coursework with meetings? | 38.1% (8) | 47.6% (10) | 9.5% (2) | 4.8% (1) | 1.81 |
| on Geographic Information Systems? | 47.6% (10) | 28.6% (6) | 23.8% (5) | 0.0% (0) | 1.76 |
| on community mapping with GPS units? | 57.1% (12) | 33.3% (7) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 1.52 |
| on physical geography? | 90.5% (19) | 9.5% (2) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.10 |
| given at your school? | 71.4% (15) | 28.6% (6) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.29 |
| of one week (5-6 days) in duration? | 81.0% (17) | 14.3% (3) | 4.8% (1) | 0.0% (0) | 1.24 |
| of two weeks in duration? | 33.3% (7) | 38.1% (8) | 28.6% (6) | 0.0% (0) | 1.95 |
| taking place in Europe? | 66.7% (14) | 33.3% (7) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.33 |
| taking place in Africa? | 57.1% (12) | 28.6% (6) | 9.5% (2) | 4.8% (1) | 1.62 |
| taking place in South America? | 57.1% (12) | 42.9% (9) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.43 |
| taking place in Asia? | 61.9% (13) | 28.6% (6) | 4.8% (1) | 4.8% (1) | 2.27 |
Meghan submitted the following report:
"From Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24, 2008 I attended the Geography Action! Coordinator's Institute in Washington D.C. The theme for the 2008-2009 school year is 'Mapping the Americas.' I was trained in mapping techniques that can be used in K-12 classrooms. Some of the topics included: types of maps, map parts, comparing maps, and cross-curricular use of maps. This year National Geographic has created a map toolkit for GA! Coordinators and Alliance Coordinators to distribute along with maps of North & South America emphasizing Geography Awareness Week. The goal of the toolkits is for K-12 classroom teachers to have a resource to teach mapping activities and have a 'Mapping the Americas' event in their school. The toolkit and map also highlight Geography Awareness Week.
During the Institute I also received training on working with the media and making more community connections. The GA! Coordinators went on guided tours of the Library of Congress: Maps Collection and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. We received resources to help us implement our 'Mapping the Americas' events and to share with our colleagues during presentations. During our visit to NGS headquarters, we learned about the All Roads Film Project and saw excerpts from four of the films in the project.
While at the Costa Rican Embassy, Chris Shearer, introduced Jonathan B. Tourtellot: NG Photographer, Director, and Geotourism Editor of National Geographic Traveler. He is the first Director of The Center for Sustainable Destinations. While Jonathan was talking about sustainability, he mentioned that NGS is working in collaboration with a few states on sustainability of national parks or resources. Their goal is to get teachers involved in these sustainability issues in their state. One of the states he mentioned was Washington. This really interests me as another way to work the WGA with NGS and WA State teachers to raise Geography Awareness through sustainability and geotourism. I had a few moments to talk to Chris Shearer more about what Geotourism is and he sent me a link to the website: National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/about_csd.html"
Richard contacted NGS Maps Vice President of Operations Kevin P. Allen about the status of the estimate for the giant Washington State map. To date, no reply has been received.
The WGA may want to explore having the University of Washington's Department of Geography creating the base maps for the giant Washington State map.
Tim suggested that Raven Maps & Images of Medford, Oregon might be able to supply an appropriate base map at a scale of 1:500,000. Their Washington State maps are described at http://www.ravenmaps.com/prostores/servlet/Detail?no=54 and http://www.ravenmaps.com/prostores/servlet/Detail?no=71.
Richard has emailed Bonnie Christian the details for the order for 5,000 pencils customized with our logo, name, and web address with Office Depot (their item #833360). The cost will be $950 plus tax and shipping.
Richard has submitted his application for the UW one-year certificate program in fundraising management starting this September. Richard's employer, Boeing, will cover the cost of the entire program (approximately $2,500) and textbooks. Per a motion adopted at last month's board meeting, Richard's mileage and parking will be reimbursed by the WGA.
Richard had previously met with Senator Murray's staff requesting that she become a cosponsor for S.727 Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act."
Senator Patty Murray's Legislative Assistant Kathryn H. Young wrote Richard on July 3 "I sent a request to Senator Cochran's office that day. Sometimes it takes time for the online version of the bill to be updated...I'll check to see if it's showing up in the senate version".
Richard has been checking the THOMAS online service but Senator Murray still does not appear as a cosponsor. Richard contacted Kathryn H. Young for an update but she is out of the office until August 28.
The preliminary staffing schedule is:
| Date | Time | Staff |
|---|---|---|
| September 18 (Thur.) | 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. | Tim, Richard, & Heidi |
| " | 4:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. | TBD |
| September 19 (Friday) | 10:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | Richard & Heidi |
| " | 4:00 p.m. — 11:00 p.m. | Pat |
| September 20 (Sat.) | 10:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. | Meghan |
| " | 4:00 p.m. — 11:00 p.m. | Pat |
| September 21 (Sunday) | 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. | Meghan |
| " | 4:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. | Tim & Meghan |
Tim will coordinate the staffing volunteers. Meghan is coordinating the shipment of the giant map and NGS handouts. The North American giant map activities will be online in September. Richard asked is there was a banner we could hang outside the Pavilion to advertise the map.
The board needs to determine what WGA materials are to be distributed at the Fair and to have them produced. Pat suggested a one-page flyer on the map.
The mailing address insert for the September 2008 edition of the National Geographic Magazine will contain the following notice to the right of the subscriber's address:
This will be distributed in the Seattle region that covers the greater Puget Sound area and includes about 3% of the magazine's US subscribers.
The following email was received on August 4:
From: mahtab9@aol.com
Date: August 4, 2008 10:01:17 AM PDT
To: secretary@washgeo.org, mahtabm@bush.edu
Subject: Seattle teachers doing curriculum restructuring
Mr. Kennedy,
I am writing on behalf of our Middle School history department at the Bush School in Seattle Washington. We are in the midst of restructuring our curriculum grades 6-8 in the history department and are seeking guidance, and possible training to assist us in articulating the skill sets to teach students in these grades along with focus on regions of Asia, Africa, and Americas. My particular region of study is the middle east and Africa with a smaller unit on south east Asia and China.
We would be grateful for guidance and feedback.
Warm regards
Mahtab
Tim offered to contact Mahtab.
Discussion of Part 1 and Part 2 Section 1 of the Alliance Planning Handbook was postponed until the next meeting.
Meghan asked Tim about arrangements for the National Council for Geographic Education conference in Dearborn, Michigan on October 9-12, 2008. Tim said that they have not yet been made.
Undergraduate or graduate level credit for the Summer Institute needs to be investigated.
The next meeting regular meeting of the WGA Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the home of Richard Kennedy and Heidi Morgan, 18825 6th Avenue SW, Normandy Park, Washington.
Respectfully submitted,
/ss/ Richard T. Kennedy
Richard T. Kennedy
Secretary
Approved September 16, 2008