ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

For my money it depends on whether these standards are descriptive or  
proscriptive. As long as we are talking about what skills, knowledge,  
temperaments, experiences, etc an informal science educator SHOULD  
have it is a very useful exercise especially in a formal educational  
setting either for people setting up a training program or deciding  
upon a career. Where I would draw the line is when someone tries to  
say every informal educator MUST have these things. Every once in  
awhile the topic of accrediting or certifying museum professionals  
comes up, usually on Museum-L. There are professionals who believe  
that there should be some sort of certification for museum  
professionals similar to doctor's, lawyers, and teachers. I think  
they believe this will lead to more respect and professionalism and  
therefore more pay. I don't see it. It doesn't lead to more pay for  
teachers and those three professions are among the lowest in trust  
and respect in America. (Museums are among the highest in terms trust  
in intellectual institutions)

As long as search for such standards is an activity and not a  
conclusion and is dynamic and open to constant revision and addition  
(like science) it could lead to excellent discussion and be very  
helpful. Just don't tell me what classes I MUST take or who I MUST  
hire to be a quality museum professional. The proof is in the program.

Matthew White

On Oct 10, 2007, at 4:30 PM, Jeff Courtman wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> ********************************************************************** 
> *******
>
> Jonah - there's a difference between content and delivery.....
>>
>>  But note that science itself codifies and sets standards all the  
>> time.
>
> ********************************************************************** 
> *
> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers  
> and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
>
> Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at  
> www.exhibitfiles.org.
>
> The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L- 
> Soft. To learn more, visit
> http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.
>
> To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
> message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
> [log in to unmask]

***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]