Welcome
July 2006
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the ISEOST Symposium Project Team and Advisory Committee, I thank all those who attended the ISEOST Symposium on June 1, 2006 and helped to make it a success.
The Symposium brought together staff from regional Informal Science Education (ISE) and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs and networks who work with or have the potential to work with 5th through 8th grade students on an on-going basis. The invitation-only event drew 84 individuals representing 51 organizations and spanning 6 states. Based on verbal comments, electronic feedback, and initial evaluations, participants were pleased with the Symposium. Some positive comments included:
“Please accept my sincere thanks for the invitation to participate in your vision of creating a model for ISEOST. The symposium was a complete success and I'm excited about what's on the horizon and delighted to be a part of the new wave in science education.”
“Congratulations on a job well done . . . You greeted us well, you entertained us, you fed us, you presented us with great learning & networking opportunities, you facilitated great small group discussions, and we received a report on the highlights from those discussions . . . GREAT JOB!”
”I attended the symposium and thought that it was terrific. I am absolutely interested in staying informed and involved with ISEOST.”
“Thank you for the small group discussions, great facilitators, and jump-starting panelists. Wonderful group of people!”Our work has just begun. Our next steps include:
- Continue to Compile and Disseminate Symposium Information
including a final list of attendees, Symposium proceedings and discussion-group notes, and additional resources.
- Cultivate Interaction and Networking
by regularly updating the website, encouraging participants and the public to utilize the ISEOST Electronic Bulletin Board (http://ostrc-ebb.activeboard.com), and incorporating other strategies to nurture communication.
- Complete the Evaluation
through reviewing the surveys and focus group data, analyzing the overall results, and using this information to move forward.
- Develop an Implementation Strategy
including where, how, and with whom to apply the ISEOST Model.
I ask that you keep in touch and let me know if you have any additional comments, suggestions, resources, or wonderful ideas!
Nancy Peter, M.Ed.
Director, Out-of-School Time Resource Center
