November 19, 2008 ACE Board Meeting
9:00 A. M. @ Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge

Present were ACE board members Stephanie Long, Les Cabot, Josh Middleton, Tim Dolphay, Al Sipes, Andy Begger and director Jerry Scott.

Guests present were Andrea Fisher, Brenda Koch, Deani Kirkness, Bobbie Larson, Jeanie Kalotay and Chad Johnson.

1. President Al Sipes called the meeting to order at 9:05. Those present introduced themselves.

2. Les Cabot moved for the approval of the October 29, 2008 minutes. Tim Dolphay seconded the motion which carried 6 – 0.

3. The financial report was reviewed.

4. Deani Kirkness reviewed the Mtace.org web site emphasizing the latest revisions. Deani will work with Gail Richardson on making a separate section for Indian Education for All and adding the lessons that were developed during the grant. It was suggested that a description and links be added to the training section. Deani said she would add a second button in order to distinguish between the two ACE PIR days and the October, and other, workshop offerings. Deani said that, if ACE ever wished to do so, the site could also host blogs. Perhaps this is something that would be useful for those wishing to do a book study for the March PIR day. It was suggested that more photos be added as they are available. The group complemented Deani on making a very user-friendly site.

5. Jerry reported that he revised the contract for Ryegate joining ACE but has not received anything back.

6. Jeanie Kalotay reviewed the SMART PRISM (Partnership to Reform Inquiry Science in Montana) grant. The grant serves two teacher cohorts in grades 3 – 6 this year and will expand to serve one more in 2008 – 2009 and another in 2009 – 2010 each with a minimum of 30 participants. The goal of PRISM is to enhance the pedagogical, content knowledge and skills in science of grades 3 – 6 teachers, to enhance the understanding and implementation of inquiry science techniques into the classroom, and to help teachers utilize existing curricula and materials and find new innovative ways to implement science inquiry lessons. Participating schools must have 20% of families below the poverty line to participate. However, the cohort teachers are trained to work with any school. Schools only need to contact Jeanie. Jeanie reviewed other information about the grant and reported that 11 ACE schools are participating in the first cohort. Those present that were interested in the next cohort were given to Jeanie. An informational handout was given to all present. More information can also be found on the SMART web site.

7. Due to scheduled eye surgery today, Gail Richardson was not able to be present. Gail reported to Jerry that the last curriculum review is now on the ACE web site. (Deani showed the site in her presentation) Gail also reported that no one responded to her invitation for ACE to purchase Indian Education for All library materials using the balance of the grant funds. She will contact the grant schools once more and then make the offer to all ACE schools. Gail has been selected to be on the OPI writing focus team that will meet on December 1st in Helena to prepare for the upcoming OPI curriculum review.

8. The ASCD National Conference application form has been emailed to all of the ACE member schools and is posted on the web site. The January due date will be posted on the home page as well as on application. When polled, none of the board members present plan to attend the conference at this time.

9. The book review information for the March 2, 2009 PIR day has been sent to all member schools and is also posted on the ACE web site. Jerry will poll the member schools in order to see what sectionals they would like to see offered on the day.
   

10. The board decided to wait before contracting with Davis Walsh, Ph.D. for the March 1, 2010 PIR day.

11. An email from Patrick Dugan explaining his offer to ACE for MAP testing and training trainers was reviewed. Bobbie Larson told the group that there are trainers available in the Billings area. Bobbie said there are three levels of MAP training. She said that although there is no money available, SMART is very willing to help in any other way they can to help with such training. Stephanie Long felt that a session should be offered during the March PIR day. Jerry will visit with Patrick to see when he is in the area in order to schedule a face-to-face meeting to see if and how ACE should be involved.

12. Josh Middleton made a motion to hire Jim Staab to lead a board retreat before March 1, 2009 in order to look at and get a clear picture of ACE curriculum, goals, and future direction. Andy Begger seconded the motion. Discussion revealed that Jim has been and is presently working with a number of ACE member schools. Those present that are working with Jim reported very positive results and felt that Jim will be a great help with such a retreat. It was decided that January 21 or 28 dates would work best. The motion carried 6 – 0. Jerry will contact Jim to set the date and inform member schools.
    
    
13. Next Ace board meeting December 17, 2008 at 9 A.M. at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35.