Newsletter of Phi Delta Kappa International, the Professional
Education Fraternity
VOLUME 42, NUMBER 3, SPRING 1998 (ISSN 0028-923X)
From Your President James V. Fogarty Making a Difference The theme of my presidency is making a difference for learners. Indeed, that is the goal of every Kappan. When we became members, we took a pledge to uphold the ideals of a life of service and to foster leadership, research, and service in education. As president, I read many chapter newsletters and attend numerous chapter meetings. I always am impressed by the interest Kappans show in the children, schools, and communities they serve. Many chapters have scholarship programs and provide a variety of other services. I know that many chapters are serving their communities. Unfortunately, I do not know about many of these activities because many chapters do not publicize them. And while it is admirable for people to help others without asking for praise, it also is important for Phi Delta Kappa to highlight the difference we are making in the lives of children. If every Kappan mentored one child or helped just one at-risk learner, we could change the world. And if we let others know what we are doing, more will join us in our efforts. To accomplish this, I have developed a pin that proclaims that the wearer is making a difference for learners. The pin is available to any Kappan who sends me a note describing how she or he is making a difference in the life of a child. I intend to publish a list of all these notes to show how Kappans are making a difference throughout the world. I look forward to hearing from you. Send your "Making a Difference" note to James Fogarty, President, Phi Delta Kappa International, P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402-0789, U.S.A. E-mail: jfogarty@sricboces.org Florida Kappan Named National Principal of the Year Elaine Sullivan, a member of the St. Leo Florida Chapter, has been named the 1998 National Principal of the Year. Sullivan is principal at Hernando High School in Brooksville, Florida, where she has been cited for using the team approach to boost student achievement, reduce the dropout rate, and promote community spirit. Sullivan received $10,000 as part of her award. She said that the money will be used to improve learning at her school through staff development and to help finance her school's "Homecoming 2000." She was presented with her award in January at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. Sullivan was not the only principal honored in the program -- and not the only Kappan. Nineteen of the State Principals of the Year also are Kappans. They include principals from all types of schools in rural, urban, and suburban communities, as well as the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. The National Teacher of the Year program is co-sponsored by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Kappans also were honored as Assistant Principals of the Year. Seven of the 52 state winners of that award also are Kappans. The Assistant Principal Recognition Program is sponsored by NASSP and McDonald's Corporation. CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS Workshops Let Teachers Explore New Technology Technology is changing the way we teach. For example, graphing calculators, computers, and other technological aids increasingly are used in math and science education. However, many teachers need help to learn the most effective ways to use these devices. To meet this need, the University of Illinois Chapter sponsors a series of workshops on "Teachers Teaching with Technology." Chapter research representative Delwyn Harnisch, who coordinates the series and teaches one of the workshops, explained that these workshops are oriented toward practical applications. Not only are participants taught to use the technology, they also are provided with notebooks filled with resources and instructional activities. "Computers and calculators are not a replacement for students learning to do the math," Harnisch emphasized. "They are a complement. The technology that we are sharing is a way of having children visualize the concepts and patterns that aren't readily seen with paper and pencil." Last summer the chapter conducted workshops on three topics: "Integrated Mathematics Using the TI-92," "Algebra: Calculator and Computer Enhanced," and "Statistics Across the Curriculum: Grades 7-12." This summer the chapter is adding a fourth workshop, "Geometry: Using the Geometer's Sketchpad." Each workshop is an intensive, five-day program. In addition, the chapter conducts a follow-up session in the fall in which participants can share their experiences and the teaching materials they have developed. There also is a web site that includes teaching resources and information about future workshops. Harnisch explained that graphing calculators and computers are simply tools that teachers can use to make mathematical concepts less abstract for students. They can help students see the connections between math and other subjects, as well as the connection to the real world. "The sooner we provide opportunities to children to make those connections, the more they will learn," Harnisch said. The 45 teachers who attended last summer's workshops were enthusiastic about using technology in their classes. One teacher reported, "I now know that using technology can allow us to explore things in lower-level math classes that we wouldn't normally be able to explore." Another teacher said that because the technology can make math accessible to more students, "We should take a new look at how we group students and whom we consider to be candidates for 'higher' math." "Teachers Teaching with Technology" is co-sponsored by the chapter, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Office of Educational Technology, and the Regional Office of Education Schoolworks. Kappans interested in more information can visit the web site at http://eval1.crc.uiuc.edu/mathwksp.html. Chapter Mentors Help Build the Profession One of the obligations of a professional is to help the profession. The Long Island University/Brooklyn Campus Chapter has established a mentoring program that members hope will build the profession for the future. Chapter president Philip Segan reported that the chapter has begun its mentoring program with a narrow focus, though it hopes to expand the program in the future. Currently, the chapter is concentrating its efforts on undergraduates at the university who are having difficulty passing the state certification examinations. "We are working with these students in three areas," Segan said, "professional skills, academic development, and writing skills." A number of chapter members and faculty have volunteered to serve as mentors for these students. Segan explained that the volunteers have a variety of specialties. "We try to match the students' needs with the particular expertise of the mentor. Then we make a place available for them to meet. But it is up to the mentor and mentee to decide how to continue." Segan said that as the program becomes more routine, additional activities will be included. "Mentoring should extend beyond the remedial element," he said. "We'd like to expand to include professional elements." Segan explained that future programs might include helping undergraduates prepare for job interviews or helping teachers who are seeking career advancement. Chapter Elects PDK's First Student Vice President New student members have brought dynamic changes to many chapters. At least one chapter not only is embracing those changes but has taken steps to ensure that students become fully integrated into the chapter. The South Western New York Chapter is the first to establish a vice president for student affairs as part of its executive committee. The chapter's first student vice president, and the first chapter vice president for student affairs in Phi Delta Kappa International, is Jason D'Arcangelo. D'Arcangelo currently is a senior at the State University of New York at Fredonia. He is doing his student teaching in Hamburg, New York, as part of the university's Fredonia-Hamburg Program, a special, more intense program in which the students both take their methods courses and do their student teaching in the district. D'Arcangelo also is the university's intern representative for the students in that program. The chapter's vice president for student affairs is elected by the student members of the chapter, then approved by the chapter's executive board and the chapter as a whole. The vice president serves not only as the student representative on the executive committee but also as the coordinator of students and chapter activities on the university campus. Chapter president James Merrins reported that one reason for the new office in the chapter was to integrate more fully the new student members with the rest of the chapter. That was especially important for the South Western New York Chapter, he explained, because it is not a campus-based chapter. Only a few chapter members are university faculty. The chapter now not only recruits outstanding students as members but also cooperates with the university to offer professional development programs for juniors and seniors in education. "The student members are helping us build a bridge with the university," Merrins said. "Our programs are more visible on campus. And it gets students to think about professional commitment." D'Arcangelo said that he regularly confers with the chapter president even though his current placement is more than an hour's drive from the chapter's location. In fact, one of his suggestions concerned the difficulty that student members in the Fredonia-Hamburg Program had in attending chapter meetings. "By the time we got to Fredonia, the meetings were half over," he said. "Yet at one meeting, over half of the students were down from Hamburg. We said, 'Why not hold some of the topic meetings up here?'" The chapter took his advice and now holds at least one meeting in the Hamburg area. D'Arcangelo also reported that membership in Phi Delta Kappa is becoming a family affair. His mother was initiated into the Buffalo South Chapter this year. Two New Chapters Join PDK Family Two new chapters have been installed in PDK since last August, bringing the total number of active chapters to 663. The new chapters and their installation dates are: Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, installed 30 September 1997, and Central Maine in Orono, Maine, installed 19 March 1998. Shell Game Author Dies Clinton E. Boutwell, author of the recent PDK book, Shell Game: Corporate America's Agenda for Schools, died January 15, after a brief illness. He was 66. Boutwell held degrees from Massachusetts State University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Massachusetts. During his career in education he had been a high school teacher, a district-level administrator, a college professor, and an education consultant. He served as superintendent of the Wiseburn School District in California from 1989 to 1993. Attendees at the PDK International Conference in October will remember Clint Boutwell as a lively and engaging individual with a keen insight into the current controversies surrounding schools, their management and performance. Boutwell is survived by his wife, Sandra Miller, who has established a memorial fund in his name. Donations may be sent to: Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, Clinton Boutwell Children's Fund, 880 South Lemon, Walnut, CA 91789. PDK Lends Support to Ontario Educators Phi Delta Kappa's advocacy on behalf of public education is not confined to the United States. In a letter to the premier of the Canadian province of Ontario, Executive Director Ronald Joekel said, "The concept of public education is vital to the maintenance of a democratic way of life throughout the world." The letter was written to support educators in Ontario, who found themselves embroiled in controversy this fall over proposed changes in education contained in Bill 160. Matters reached a peak with some 126,000 Ontario teachers going on strike. Phi Delta Kappa Executive Director Ronald Joekel contacted the presidents of the University of Toronto and London Ontario chapters to ask how PDK might help resolve the situation peaceably. After further consultation with District VI Representative Ranny Singiser, Area 6G Coordinator Ron Buss, and the Board of Director's only Canadian member, District I Representative Shirley Haines, Joekel contacted both the premier of Ontario and the minister of education in late October, expressing concern about the disruption of education in Ontario. In part, Joekel wrote: "The democratic principle of involvement by the citizenry is essential in determining the direction of the public schools. Phi Delta Kappa International supports educators in the province of Ontario in their efforts to preserve and enhance public education in the province." Eileen Lennon, president of the Ontario Teachers' Federation, expressed her thanks to PDK in a letter dated 6 November 1997. She wrote in part, "We are greatly encouraged by your words and we feel strengthened in the knowledge that Ontario's teachers are not fighting Bill 160 on their own. The teachers of Ontario remain determined to defend our publicly funded education system." Michael D. Harris, Ontario's premier, also responded. In a December 12 letter he thanked Joekel for PDK's expression of concern and outlined his assurance "that improving Ontario's education system is a priority for our government." Joekel, writing in a memo to the Board of Directors, later commented, "I was impressed that he [Harris] would respond. I hope our Canadian Kappans are aware of the role PDK played in supporting Ontario educators on this issue." Chapters and Board of Governors Sponsor Fastbacks in Spring Series Six fastbacks were sponsored in the spring 1998 series, including five sponsored to honor individuals. Bessie Gabbard and the Board of Governors of the PDK Educational Foundation sponsored two fastbacks. Fastback 426 Legal and Ethical Bases for Educational Leadership was sponsored to honor former PDK Associate Executive Director Robert McDaniel; and fastback 428 Fostering Social Responsibility was sponsored to honor Stanley Elam, editor emeritus of the Kappan. The chapters in Area 5J and Area Coordinator Sonja-Lou Clary sponsored a fastback in memory of Leodies Arburtha, former District V Representative. For that purpose, they chose to sponsor fastback 430 Building Educational Resilience. In addition, the Suffolk County Chapter sponsored fastback 433 Creating an Inviting Classroom Environment in memory of James V. Fogarty, Sr; and the Rochester New York Chapter sponsored fastback 429 Teaching Diverse Students: Preparing with Cases to honor Alice Marie Jones. The Heart of Texas Chapter sponsored fastback 431 A Neural Network Guide to Teaching. To sponsor a fastback, chapters make a $500 contribution to the PDK Educational Foundation. In return, the chapter receives 150 copies and an acknowledgement in the fastback, which many chapters use to honor someone. In addition, the author, if available, makes a presentation on the fastback topic at a chapter meeting. A "To Do" List for Chapters The First Legislative Council, held last October, raised a number of issues related to what chapters can do to stay vigorous -- and to recruit and retain new members as they fulfill the PDK tenets of research, leadership, and service. Following are several suggestions: ENCOURAGE CANDIDATES FOR LEADERSHIP · Kappans at all levels should be encouraged to take on leadership roles and to stand as candidates for chapter, area, and district offices. PDK needs every Kappan's commitment to leadership. SPONSOR FEA/FTA CHAPTERS · Education will thrive only if the brightest and best among our youth are encouraged to enter the teaching profession. As a service commitment PDK can help strengthen the profession by sponsoring Future Educators of America or Future Teachers of America chapters in their local schools. For full FEA start-up information, contact the PDK International Office. CONNECT USING THE WORLD WIDE WEB · Chapters with their own web site are invited to send their chapter URL to the PDK International Office for inclusion in the PDK International web site at http://www.pdkintl.org. PDK is working to link chapters and members around the world. DESIGNATE A CHAPTER TECHNOLOGY OFFICER · Chapters are encouraged to institute a new chapter office for technology. A knowledgeable technology officer can assist the chapter to get online and to deal with other technology-related issues, from maintaining the chapter's treasury using a computer and employing desktop publishing to produce the chapter newsletter to assisting in data collection and chapter research projects. FORM AN INITIATION "SWAT TEAM" · Successful chapters initiate new members more often than the once-a-year requirement in the Constitution and Bylaws. Forming a designated initiation team can facilitate more frequent initiations. Educators who are eager to become active Kappans need not wait for an annual initiation, if the chapter is prepared to "strike while the iron is hot." Deadline Approaches for Dissertation Nominations The winner's of Phi Delta Kappa International's Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Awards will be chosen at the nine district conferences next fall. Each winner will receive $500 and a certificate of recognition. Chapters are encouraged to nominate up to three dissertations and to forward their nominations to their district representatives. Each nomination must be made by a PDK chapter, but the nominee does not have to be a member of PDK. The nominee must be a recent graduate in the field of education from an accredited college or university. Selection criteria for the awards include: 1) The dissertation must represent sound scholarship, 2) it must have been completed between 1 September 1996 and 31 August 1998, and 3) it must hold promise for the improvement of education. Each nomination must be accompanied by a summary of the dissertation, a completed application form, the candidate's vita, and a letter of recommendation from the dissertation committee chair. The deadline for nominations to the district representatives is 31 August 1998. Application forms, guidelines, and judging criteria are available from chapter presidents and research representatives or by contacting Betty Bradbury at the PDK International Office. District Conferences to Meet in October The nine PDK districts will hold their conferences next October. Chapter delegates will conduct the business of the fraternity, learn about effective chapter programs, and participate in professional programs planned by their district representatives and area coordinators. Each chapter is required to send at least one delegate to a district conference. Any PDK member is welcome to attend a district conference. The schedule and sites for the 1998 district conferences are:
Kappan Graduation Gifts Available PDK has two new items that would make great gifts from a chapter to its graduating members. One is a bronze-plated medallion engraved with the PDK name and crest. It hangs on a 30-inch red-and-white ribbon. The medallion is available for $20. PDK also offers a red-and-white honor cord for $5. The honor cord is 58 inches long, and it is braided with two-inch tassles on the ends. For more information about these graduation gifts, contact the PDK Order Department. National Forum Participants Consider Differences in Beliefs Last October, the first National Forum on the Public Schools gave 190 participants opportunities to consider and discuss the purposes and performance of America's public schools. The forum was sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa International, the National PTA, and the Center on Education Policy on October 24 and 25 in Indianapolis. Forum participants came from 40 states, two Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, Germany, Japan, and Bermuda. The principal work of the forum was to consider three questions: What are the purposes of the public schools? How effective are public schools? What changes are needed to make the public schools as effective as they need to be? A summary report of the group work stated six basic purposes of the public schools: to prepare students to become informed, responsible citizens; to teach basic skills; to develop the maximum potential of all students; to respect diversity and promote cultural unity; to promote lifelong learning; and to develop critical thinking skills. Participants discussed effectiveness in terms of attributes of the public schools. The following list of attributes emerged: strong assessment program, parent collaboration and involvement, climate conducive to learning, respect for learning, strong staff/teacher leadership, quality broad-based curriculum, engaged community, competent teachers, concern for students' needs, high graduation rate, emphasis on citizenship, and adequate funding. Seven areas were targeted for improvement, with top priority being given to providing adequate funding and improving the quality of the teaching staff of the public schools. The other five areas included: strengthening school-community partnerships, empowering schools, providing a relevant curriculum, providing social services, and improving public relations. A copy of the complete report of the first National Forum on the Public Schools is available. Requests for the report or other information about PDK forums on the public schools should be addressed to Lowell Rose at PDK International. Resources Available on Leadership One of Phi Delta Kappa's basic tenets is leadership. Information about leadership in education is available in a number of published resources, including one of the newest fastbacks. Senior educators M. Donald Thomas and E.E. (Gene) Davis are the authors of fastback 426 Legal and Ethical Bases for Educational Leadership, which is one of eight new fastbacks published this spring. Another resource on leadership is fastback 424 Multidimensional School Leadership, by Larry Lashway, which was published last fall. All fastbacks list for $3 each; the member discount price is $2.25, but additional quantity discounts are available. (A complete list of the newest fastbacks and all titles currently in print appears in the April issue of the Phi Delta Kappan.) Kappans interested in higher education leadership will find thought-provoking reading in several recent books, including Against the Tide, edited by Karen Doyle Walton. In that book 20 prominent American and British women heads of colleges and universities recount their personal paths to leadership. Published in 1996, this 263-page hardbound volume lists for $35; the member discount price is $26. Another leadership resource is an anthology of essays titled Teachers as Leaders, edited by Donovan R. Walling. The authors of the 20 essays in this book address the central theme of educational excellence, which cannot be achieved without attention to all facets of the professional development of teachers. This 320-page book was published in 1994 and is available in the original hardbound edition (list price $28; member discount price $21). This popular volume was reissued as a trade paperback in 1995, which lists at $21. The member discount price for the paperback is $15.75. Many more resources on leadership, including audio and video materials, can be found in the current PDK products catalogue. If you have mislaid your copy or given it to a colleague, feel free to ask for another copy by telephoning the PDK Order Department. Chapter Strength Vital to PDK The vitality of Phi Delta Kappa International can be only a reflection of the vitality of its chapters and individual members. That vitality permits PDK to be an influential voice in education and supports the PDK goal of becoming the leading advocate for the public schools. Unfortunately, that vitality is threatened by a persistent decline in membership. The December 1997 membership statistics report reveals that 498 chapters have lost more members than they have initiated. Only 144 chapters have increased in good-standing membership. But those 144 chapters can light the way to revitalization. Following are five suggestions, drawn from the growth experiences of those 144 chapters, that can assist in recruitment and retention of chapter members: 1. Make chapter meetings focused and meaningful. Kappans are concerned, involved educators who are drawn to programs with real substance. They want to interact with and learn from other professionals. 2. Invite leaders in education to become Kappans. Successful chapters reach out with vigor to all qualified educators but especially to principals, superintendents, central office personnel, and college administrators -- the "movers and shakers" in local schools and colleges. 3. Reach out to young professionals and promising education students. Effective chapters have discovered that their senior and retired members are eager to volunteer as "PDK ambassadors" to recruit young and upcoming professionals who can revitalize and reinvigorate chapters. 4. Involve new initiates right away. Vital chapters avoid stagnant leadership cliques by asking new members to take on active leadership roles early -- as committee chairs, as project coordinators, and as chapter officers. 5. Make sure members know about their membership benefits. PDK provides a wealth of professional benefits, from discounts on high-quality professional books to credit cards and insurance programs. For a complete benefits summary, contact the PDK International Office for the 15-page brochure titled, "Serving Members and Education." Book Notes ONLINE SEX SITES STIR CONTROVERSY · Fred H. Cate's new book, The Internet and the First Amendment, is subtitled "Schools and Sexually Explicit Expression." Among the important issues posed by the rush to wire classrooms and libraries to the Internet are those concerning what children may find on the Internet and the responsibility and liability of teachers, librarians, and administrators for controlling, or failing to control, access to that content. Cate, an Indiana University law professor, examines the laws governing children's access to sexually explicit expression. Rather than focus on who makes the determination about students' access to sexually explicit expression, this volume examines the legal issues affecting whether to permit that access and how much access to allow. This book is available as a trade paperback and lists for $12. The member discount price is $9. SHELL GAME EXCERPT IN EDUCATION DIGEST · Clinton Boutwell's book, Shell Game: Corporate America's Agenda for Schools, was published by PDK last October, and the author was a presenter at the PDK International Conference that month. The first chapter of the book was excerpted as the lead article in the October issue of the Kappan. Most recently, the same chapter/article appeared in condensed form in the December issue of Education Digest. Kappans who have yet to read Boutwell's solid analysis will want to order a copy of the book for themselves. This hardback volume lists for $35, but members can purchase it for the discount price of $26. A worthwhile companion volume is Gerald Bracey's The Truth About America's Schools: The Bracey Reports, 1991-97. This trade paperback, published in November, lists for $22; the member discount price is only $16.50. PDK BOOK OF DAYS IS PRACTICAL AND TIMELESS · Need a datebook, a perpetual calendar, a diary, an appointment book -- and an address book? The Phi Delta Kappa Book of Days is all of these in one volume. The PDK datebook also includes brief histories of Phi Delta Kappa and the PDK Educational Foundation, plus numerous historical photographs that tell the PDK story from 1906 to today. This is a practical, timeless datebook that every Kappan will want to own. It also is an ideal gift for introducing PDK to a colleague, a student teacher, or a newly initiated member. The Phi Delta Kappa Book of Days is a handsome hardbound volume. The cover in the fraternity's official red color features gold-stamped crests. The PDK datebook will be published in September, but members can order copies in advance and save money. The datebook will be priced at $29.95. Copies can be ordered at the prepublication price of $26 until 1 June 1998. Advance-ordered datebooks will be shipped in September. CRIZMAC TO CARRY ART AS A BASIC · Several association catalogues feature PDK books, including Beyond Tracking (National Middle School Association) and A Digest of Supreme Court Decisions Affecting Education (American Association of School Administrators). Crizmac, which carries resources for art education, is now set to feature W. Dwaine Greer's Art as a Basic: The Reformation in Art Education in its forthcoming catalogue. If you belong to an association that produces a catalogue of education resources, consider asking that association to contact PDK about including one or more PDK publications in their catalogue. Likewise, PDK publications can sometimes be found in bookstores; however, Kappans can enhance the likelihood that they will find their favorite PDK books in a local shop by asking that store to consider stocking PDK publications. The contact person at the PDK International Office in both cases is Donovan Walling, Editor of Special Publications. HOT TOPIC EVALUATES DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAMS · Twenty years of research on drug abuse prevention has found no single program or strategy that works with all students. New Directions in Drug Education Programs, the latest volume in the Hot Topics series, provides "state-of-the-art" information that educators need to implement truly effective substance abuse prevention programs in their schools. More than 20 articles examine a variety of drug, tobacco, and alcohol abuse prevention programs, including four articles that evaluate the effectiveness of the popular D.A.R.E. program and discuss the politics behind its continued use. The cost for each volume in the Hot Topics series is $25, plus $3 for shipping and handling. A discount is available for three or more copies; call for details. MEMBERSHIP FORUM This new column is designed to answer membership questions and to provide information about new services. If you have questions about your membership benefits, please call 1-800-766-1156 or locally (812) 339-1156 and ask to speak to the Membership Department. Q: What is direct membership? A: The First Legislative Council, held in 1997, authorized a two-year "window" for direct application for membership to the PDK International Office. This initiative is a way for the International Office to assist chapters with membership development by giving potential new members a way to become Kappans directly. These new members are then referred to the chapter in their home area. Kappans who join under this direct membership option enjoy all of the standard member privileges but two: They cannot participate in the governance process, nor can they hold office. Those privileges are reserved to members affiliated with chapters. Q: Are reduced dues available for retirees? A: Yes, senior membership is an option for Kappans who are 55 years of age or older and have retired from regular employment. Senior membership dues are one-half of the amount usually paid. To obtain an application for senior membership, please call the PDK Order Department. Feel free to call the Membership Department if you have questions. Q: How do I get a certificate that recognizes my length of membership? A: Membership recognition certificates are awarded at five-year intervals. The PDK International Office initiated this practice in 1995. Chapters may present the certificates to their members, or the International Office will mail the certificates directly to members. The mailing is done each February. If you believe you are entitled to a membership recognition certificate but have not received one, please call the Membership Department. Q: What is the difference between undergraduate membership and student teacher membership? A: College and university undergraduates may be invited to join PDK by a chapter, provided that they are enrolled in an accredited education program. Undergraduate members are not initiated, and the membership is valid for only one year (although it can be renewed). Also, unlike regular members, undergraduate members may not transfer from one chapter to another. The undergraduate membership dues are one-half of the regular combined international/chapter dues. Once an undergraduate student is accepted into, or completes, a student teaching program, he or she is eligible for regular PDK membership. This entails initiation, payment of regular dues, and access to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by Kappans worldwide. Both undergraduate and student teacher membership options were approved in 1996. To date, about half of all PDK chapters accept undergraduate and student teacher members. Both types of membership allow PDK to offer services and encouragement to newcomers to the education profession. PDK's Web Site Is New and Improved If you have not already done so, you will want to visit PDK's web site. In fact, those who have visited before will want to visit again. PDK's site is updated regularly, and there always are new resources for educators. PDK's site managers have been working overtime to expand the site and to add new and interesting items. For example, PDK has begun a series of fact sheets called "FastFacts" that provide useful information that educators can use when discussing hot issues. The first "FastFacts" provides information about vouchers that often is left out of the political debate. The latest issue includes information about dropout rates. Another useful page on PDK's web site is the "Kappan Job Site." Schools and other institutions throughout the country have listed available positions on those pages, and Kappans and other subscribers can list "positions wanted" ads on the site. The Kappan pages on the PDK web site also contain selected articles from recent issues of the journal, the PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, and an index to the authors who have published in the journal. The web site also contains the text of the recent issues of NN&Q, the Washington Newsletter, the Research Bulletin, and other PDK publications. In addition, there are schedules of Professional Development Institutes, Gabbard Institutes, and other activities sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa International and the Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation, as well as catalogues of all the products and services available from PDK. The PDK web site is an important stop for educators, whether they are just browsing the web or searching for professional resources. You can reach PDK's web site at www.pdkintl.org. Spend Your Summer at the Gabbard Institutes Hundreds of educators will visit the PDK International office this summer to attend the 25 Gabbard Institutes offered in June and July. Kappans who attend also can take advantage of $125 scholarships offered by the PDK Educational Foundation. There are both three-day and five-day institutes scheduled this summer. June 29 - July 1 (three days)
July 7-9 (three days)
July 13-17 (five days)
July 20-22 (three days)
July 27-29 (three days)
July 27-31 (five days)
For more information about the Gabbard Institutes, contact the Center for Professional Development and Services at the PDK International Office. Multi-Year Dues Option A number of members have asked if it is possible to pay dues for more than one year at a time. PDK allows the option of paying dues for up to three years at one time. Members who take advantage of this option are exempt from any dues increases that may occur during the period for which their dues have been paid. This also is a good way to keep your membership current and your good-standing status intact. Contact PDK's Membership Department for more information.
News, Notes, and Quotes is published three times a year by Phi Delta Kappa International, P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402-0789. NN&Q Staff |