NewComers
Bob Underwood
As I struggle through the months trying to balance this column among direct NewComer help, providing club guidance, and detailing the increasing educational activities of the Academy, the reader may feel we've lost the balance pole and the wire is shaking beneath our feet. In light of what occurred last weekend, it seems prudent to fill you in on coming attractions.
I'm speaking of the first meeting of the Academy's Education Committee. The information contained in the following report should provide clubs and individuals an idea of where we are headed. Please bear in mind that while we have opened the door and peeked into the Education Room, much of what we discovered were dozens of other doors yet to be unlocked. We can do that by working together with the membership.
Education Committee
The Education Committee is composed of Charles Kelley, Chairman; Charlie Bauer; Travis McGinnis; and Gordon Schimmel. The non-voting, designated Headquarters staff contact is Bob Underwood, Education Director.
Four guests were also invited to this first meeting: Frank Garcher of Midwest Products; J.J. Levine of Modeling 101; Tom Sanders, as a contact with TSA (Technology Student Association); and Chuck Larsen, Education Director of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). While they did not vote, these individuals served as advisors and provided valuable input on aeromodeling educational activity.
Each of the guests made a formal presentation to the group about activities in which they are engaged, addressed how they viewed a collaborative effort with AMA, and participated throughout the day's deliberations. I set the agenda and chaired the meeting.
One task for the group was to develop a mission statement, developed around the charge to the group provided by AMA president Don Lowe. This charge was contained in a keynote statement to the group by AMA Executive Director Jerry Rouillard.
Mission statement
"The mission of this committee is to provide the Academy guidance and assistance in the formulation, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of educational programs and policies. This guidance and assistance should help AMA realize the ideals outlined in its vision and mission statements and assist the Executive Council in its effort to further the educational role of the Academy."
Goals
In addition to the statement, specific goals were developed during the meeting. These represent specific areas in which we have already begun to work, or will work very soon:
- Representation at conferences, etc.
- Research and development programs
- Information sharing
Members of the committee or the Headquarters staff liaison have been assigned subcommittee responsibilities for activities related to these goals.
I was extremely pleased with the meeting. The individuals, who in most cases had not even met prior to the weekend, melded into a cohesive, articulate body that has common purpose and great interest in providing quality programs and guidance for the Academy. There is a wide range of interest and experience in areas of educational concern and age-level direction.
One concern which surfaced at various times centered on the differences in thinking held by AMA members. On one hand, the plea is made by members that we must find a way to teach modeling — the building and flying of models — in the schools. On the other hand, many feel that club-based instruction and community programs are a more attainable route. We also focused on the fact that the word "education" should not simply bring to mind "youth." Our clubs and many of our adult NewComers have a strong need for instructional programs. In particular, clubs often find that they must serve NewComers from ages eight to 80. They are looking for leadership in providing techniques and programs for the instruction of these individuals.
Committee activities
The specific committee activities addressed during the day were wide-ranging. Some of these were actually in place and moving forward prior to the meeting; others were the result of the committee's deliberations.
- Video programs in conjunction with Ball State University and the Indiana Academy (distance learning programs). These programs are designed to be used directly in the classroom and are geared to helping with the teaching of such varied subjects as math, science, social studies, aerodynamics, and language arts. The first of these tapes was shot the week of October 9 at the National Flying Site. Beyond the presentation of the tapes directly in classrooms through the Indiana Academy network, they will be available in tape format for club and individual use to help stimulate local activities. Headquarters is formulating this program.
- Summer workshops. The development of workshops to be held at the Muncie site was considered an important priority. At this time, the committee is focused on providing an initial teacher workshop during the summer of 1996. This will be directed at providing teachers information on using aeromodeling as a tool in the classroom. This activity is being spearheaded by Travis McGinnis. Ball State is willing to cooperate with the Academy regarding housing and developing teacher in-service programs.
- Data pool or resource list. Gordon Schimmel heads the subcommittee charged with creating a data pool of information regarding educational programs already on the scene. This will be accomplished by contacting the individuals or groups and requesting their permission to allow the Academy to be a clearinghouse for information. A listing with contacts and abstracts about these programs would then be provided upon request. The details of the disposition of the materials have yet to be finalized. The discussion of this concern led to the following item.
- "Information Highway" through electronic means. The committee discussed the use of electronic means such as the Internet to disseminate information. It was agreed that this is a most necessary means of communication for the Academy.
As the Executive Council debates the Academy's participation, the committee determined the need to be ready to immediately utilize this resource if programs are adopted—especially for the dissemination of such information as that being developed under the guidance of Gordon Schimmel. Charlie Bauer, District V Vice President, agreed to chair the subcommittee designated to look at electronic communication.
- Adult programs. Though an excellent vehicle for reaching youngsters, the committee felt the Academy must also address the instructional needs of adult NewComers. Development of programs and materials for adult instruction, club leadership, and in-service teacher training was recommended.
By prior arrangement, the committee determined that the bulk of its business will be transacted by consensus. There were, however, several items which were moved and voted upon:
Motions and votes
- Moved by Charlie Bauer and seconded by Travis McGinnis: "That the committee recommend to the Executive Council a grant of $500 each to the Westminster Aero Modelers and North Eastern Drone Society under the YES (Youth Education Stipend) fund." Motion carried. (These two clubs are the first to apply for funds under the newly adopted YES program. Details of that program may be obtained from Headquarters or Bob Underwood, Box 40, St. Peters, MO 63376.)
- Moved by Charles Kelley and seconded by Gordon Schimmel: "That AMA allow the use of the AMA flag by Tom Sanders for his presentation before the Technology Student Association in Baltimore, Maryland." Motion carried.
- Moved by Charles Kelley and seconded by Charlie Bauer: to accept the presidential charge as amended, for the mission statement. Motion carried.
Announcements
- AMA has applied for three forum presentations at the 1996 EAA convention. One spot has been confirmed, with the other two pending until spring.
- AMA is consulting with Endless Horizon, at their request, relative to a workshop or conference at their show in January.
- AMA has applied for (and hopefully will be chosen to present) programs at the International Conference on Technology and Education and HASTI (Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc.)
The meeting was filled with many ideas. The free flow of information was both stimulating and full of promise about helping the AMA take an active role in educational concerns. We have long given lip service to the task, but have failed to come anywhere near fulfilling our potential.
As your Education Director, I sense the vitality of purpose and the strong commitment evidenced by this committee to making these programs work. I feel confident that the membership will strongly support the Academy's efforts.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
