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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I've got an idea for a session at the ASTC 2006 Conference based on 
some important issues raised at the ASTC 2005 Conference in Richmond. 
I'm hoping some others might think the idea is intriguing and useful 
and perhaps have some ideas about what this kind of session might look 
like. 

The pseudo-strand on NCLB at the ASTC 2005 Conference thoughtfully 
addressed many issues associated with science center relationships 
with schools, including ways that science centers are working with 
schools in an age of increased accountability for formal education. It 
also raised many questions that I hope will be followed up in 
Louisville in 2006. 

Some issues these discussions raised for me concern how educators in 
science centers perceive the appropriateness of attempting to address 
standards in the school curriculum at science centers, what kinds of 
goals seem appropriate for students on field trips, and what kinds of 
activities best support those goals. From recent posts on this 
listserv, it seems clear that goals of exhibits/programs are values to 
which members of this community have strong commitments. However, 
beyond discussions like these, I don't know of any data that suggest 
what "the field" thinks about these issues, or what factors (e.g., 
institution size?) might affect an educator's beliefs. 

I'm planning some survey research (in which many of you will probably 
be asked to participate - consider this an unofficial first request 
for participation!) to attempt to figure out what science center 
educators believe about school curriculum and its relationship to 
science center programs. I think this information might be interesting 
to educators in the field - if for no other reason than to have more 
information about what other educators might be thinking. 

I'm thinking that the presentation of this research could be a part of 
a session about science center/school relationships, professional 
development needs of the ASTC community, or perhaps even a panel like 
the ones we had in Richmond around NCLB. 

If anybody is interested in this topic or has some ideas about how the 
research I'm conducting might fit into a session you've considered, 
I'd love to hear from you. 

Please contact me off the list for this. My email address is 
[log in to unmask] 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Bill

p.s. I think my name might have come up as "William Watson" since I'm 
using a web based version of my email program to send this. I haven't 
gone to using my full name...I still like "Bill" better. It's much 
more informal. :)

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