March 2009 • Volume 40 • Number 4 • Pages 44-45
NMSA in Action
What's Happening
Middle Level Essentials Conference
April 23–24, 2009
Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas, NV
Topics include:
- Differentiated Instruction to Meet the Needs of Every Student
- The Differentiated Math Classroom
- Literacy Across the Content Areas
- Ninth Grade Academies (a conference-within-a-conference)
Symposium on Teacher Preparation
April 24–25, 2009
Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas, NV
Excellence in Teaching, Service, and Scholarship
Student Success Institute
May 29–30, 2009
Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Topics include:
- Student Motivation
- Formative Assessment
- Advisory
- Literacy
Institute for Middle Level Leadership
July 12–15, 2009
Hyatt Regency Tamaya
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
July 19–22, 2009
Ritz Carlton, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Task Force 2010—A Possible Name Change
Over the years there has been much talk about the possibility and desirability of changing the association's name. "National Middle School Association" has served us well for more than 35 years, but our students, the schools, and the education world are changing. It is imperative that our name clearly defines us and keeps us moving forward for the next 35 years.
In 2008, the NMSA Board of Trustees appointed Task Force 2010, a group that was authorized to conduct a study about a potential name change. This group was charged with soliciting feedback and presenting information to the board about whether or not a name change should be pursued. If the results of the study indicated that a name change was in order, the task force was asked to make a recommendation and offer advice on the transition process.
Over the past 12 months, Task Force 2010 conducted significant outreach to all stakeholders of the association to gather feedback to share with the board of trustees.
The outreach included soliciting commentary from founders, past board members, and affiliate leaders as well as conducting online membership surveys and conference attendee surveys.
At its final meeting in Columbus in December 2008, the task force completed its work and forwarded to the board a report with several recommendations, including options for a new association name and ideas for the transition process. Though the task force and the board may recommend a change, according to the NMSA constitution, it is the members who make the decision, as a new name requires a constitutional election by the membership of the association.
At their recent winter board meeting, the NMSA Board of Trustees reviewed the report of Task Force 2010. Noting that the work of the task force was both thorough and thoughtful, the board decided that now is not the right time to pursue a name change for NMSA. The cost of a name change would be extensive, and in these uncertain financial times, the board decided that it would be best to act on the recommendations made by Task Force 2010 at a later date. The board will continue discussions regarding a potential name change during the next year and in January 2010 will consider making a recommendation to the membership.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to offer input regarding a potential name change for National Middle School Association. The board especially would like to acknowledge and thank the Task Force members for their hours of work on this important task.
Task Force 2010
Pete Lorain (Chair)
Len Ference
Theresa Hinkle
Ken McEwin
Debra Melle
Betty Edwards
Nominations for Distinguished Educator Award
The National Middle School Association Distinguished Educator Award recognizes outstanding practitioners in middle level education. These educators have made a significant impact on the lives of young adolescents through their leadership, vision, and advocacy. NMSA is proud to acknowledge their dedication to young adolescents. Recipients of this award will be recognized at the 2009 NMSA Annual Conference & Exhibit in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will receive a $1,000 award from the NMSA Foundation.
Please consider nominating a colleague or yourself. The submission deadline is March 13, 2009. For more information, visit www.nmsa.org/awards/NMSADistinguishedEducatorAward/
Your Election Ballot
NMSA members have the chance to determine who will serve on the NMSA Board of Trustees. Your ballot will be included in the center of your April 2009 issue of Middle Ground magazine. This year's ballot gives you the opportunity to select your next regional trustee, the diverse cultures trustee, and the next president of the association.
Copyright © 2009 by National Middle School Association