Illinois Section
American Association of Physics Teachers

Minutes of the Spring Council Meeting
Eastern Illinois University
Physical Science Building  - Room 2167
April 6, 2002

The meeting of the Executive Council was called to order by President Kelly Roos at 7:12 a.m. In attendance were Ann Brandon, Carl Wenning, David Renneke, Curt Hieggelke, Duane Ingram, Gary Wolber, Kevin Kimberlin, John Askill, Cliff Parker, Deborah Lojkutz, Charles Schulz, Roger Reeves, Troy Gobble, Kimberly Shaw, Gary Gladding, and Bruce McCart.

Secretary-Treasurer Report:  The first order of business was to approve the minutes from the past Executive Council meeting, as well as the current treasurer's report which shows a balance of $3607.68 as of April 2, 2002. Both reports were accepted without question or correction.

Section Representative's Report:  Curt Hieggelke outlined two major ongoing issues at the national level: (a) Should the Announcer be distributed electronically with a limited printing for use at national meetings only, or should it continue in hard copy to the entire membership? Only about 10% of the membership attends national meetings. Curt also noted that most of the membership appears to want to continue with hard copy publication; some of that national leadership wants to see the hard copy publication minimized as a cost-saving measure. (b) What should the relationship be between the national AAPT and the sections? An attempt to systematize this relationship (e.g., similarities of constitutions, duration of officerships) might well end with the administration of AAPT past president John Hubisz.

Representative to the AAPT High School Committee Report:  Ann Brandon noted that the national office has recently completed or will soon complete revision of the red, green, and blue guideline books relating to the preparation of high school physics teachers. The booklets should be available from the national office some time this summer.

Publicity Chair, Section Editor, and Webmaster Report:  Dave Renneke noted that the deadline for the Announcer was next week and that he would have a report prepared to submit on behalf of the ISAAPT.

Newsletter Report:  Roger Reeves noted that all continues well with the Illinois Physics Teacher. He noted the ongoing generosity of his school district in providing free photocopying. The only expense to the Association at this point is for paper and postage. He also noted that the IPT is now available in color from the ISAAPT website.

Committee for the Outstanding High School Physics Teacher Award:  Gary Wolber, in his last official duty as coordinator of the Outstanding High School Physics Teacher Award program noted that the costs for administering the program are high - approximately $300 for this year. $200 of this was for photocopying and mail distribution of the application materials to Executive Council members. Also, there were no new nominations this year. Gary noted that he has had a hard time getting the word out to high school administrators requesting nominations without a special mailing. Carl Wenning thanked Gary for his work during these past years and, speaking on behalf of Diana Roth who could not be present for the meeting, noted that Diana is willing to take Gary's place as administrator of the award program. He also noted that Diana would want to streamline the process of nominations and application. The Council agreed to the need to do so. Charles Schulz nominated Diana to head the Outstanding High School Physics Teacher Award program. Ann Brandon seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously.

Committee for the Distinguished Service Citation Report:  Roger Reeves, speaking on behalf of Roger Malcolm who could not be present for the meeting, noted that the Distinguished Service Citation committee is putting forth the name of Ralph Miller, formerly of Greenville College, for recognition at the fall meeting. Ann Brandon motioned that the nomination be accepted. There were numerous seconds. The proposal passed unanimously. It was suggested that the name of the awardee not be hidden so that Ralph might invite guests, and that a public announcement of the award might also draw additional members to the fall meeting.

Dues Assessment ad hoc Committee Report:  Carl Wenning, Roger Reeves, and Dave Renneke spoke briefly about dues collection and promotion of the ISAAPT. Following an extended discussion, it was decided that a postcard mailing would be made early in the 2002-2003 academic year to all 750 or so high school physics teachers, and chairpersons in physics departments within all Illinois community colleges and universities. Secretary-Treasurer Carl will see to the mailing. The post card will contain information about benefits associated with ISAAPT membership (e.g., CPDU's, meetings, and website address). At the suggestion of Curt Hieggelke, Dave was authorized to spend up to $100 to set up a domain name for the ISAAPT such as www.isaapt.org thereby making contact with ISAAPT a simpler matter.

Fall Meeting:  John Askill noted that the planning for the fall meeting was progressing nicely but, that due to recent budget cuts at Millikin University, he was concerned about charge backs to the physics department there for use of even departmental rooms. It was informally noted that the Executive Council was "aghast" at the possibility of charge backs as a way to make up for University deficits. John was authorized to make this sentiment known to his administration, and went on record to support his efforts to eliminate such costs.

Other Future Meetings:  Representatives present from other hosting Universities noted that things look good at their institutions for future meetings. Gary Gladding mentioned that the "tentative" on the Spring 2004 meeting at UIUC could be removed. Kimberly Shaw noted that SIUE is willing to host during spring 2005. Troy Gobble of Riverside-Brookfield High School volunteered to host the Fall 2005 meeting at Riverside. Both offers were accepted, and it was noted that the Riverside event would be a good venue for a joint meeting with the Chicago section.

ISAAPT-ICCB (Illinois Community College Board) Working Group Report:  Duane Ingram spoke briefly about Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) transfer agreements and the place of the proposed physics transfer plan within that framework. He noted much to the surprise of the Executive Council that IAI officials had set up a second advisory committee, especially after IAI administrator Jerry Pogatshnik had authorized the ISAAPT to provide recommendations. It was decided that the ISAAPT ad hoc committee for the physics transfer agreement would contact both the head and members of this second panel to let them know about ISAAPT work. Duane will spearhead this effort.

Other Business:  Curt Hieggelke noted a recent meeting in Texas held before the state's section meeting that dealt with curricular issues. He suggested that Illinois consider a meeting such as this. As time was quickly running out for further discussion of the last agenda items, discussion about national Section Rep. recommendations was put off until the next Executive Council meeting. Curt noted that in the past the ISAAPT Executive Council had held meetings at a time and date different from the section meetings, thereby allowing adequate meeting time. Roger Reeves suggested that a separate meeting date be set or that continuations of Council meetings might be scheduled to take place following the close of the Saturday sessions at future ISAAPT meetings. There was a general consensus that the 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. meeting time is inadequate considering the work of the Council.

Ann Brandon made a closing announcement that Larry Martin who teaches physics at North Park University was recently stricken with a brain tumor. He is now at home convalescing from recent surgery. Ann noted further that he would be delighted to hear from acquaintances via e-mail.

The meeting was formally adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

Carl J. Wenning
Secretary-Treasurer