Looking for a better way to teach thinking skills? Or a good idea on student assessment? Want to talk to other educators on issues affecting rural schools? On these and many other topics, ASCD's networks program might be just the ticket.
ASCD now sponsors networks on topics ranging from middle schools to indigenous peoples education. Each network creates its own focus and decides what services to offer its members. Most networks are free, but some charge a nominal fee (no more than $10). Among the most common services are newsletters, resource lists or bibliographies, and special sessions at ASCD's Annual Conference, says Agnes Crawford, ASCD's assistant director of field services and networks liaison.
But there are other benefits as well. "The strength of the networks program lies in the support available for members to explore new ideas, share problems and solutions, and the comfort found in interacting with others engaged in similar endeavors," says Crawford. Through networks, members often make personal and professional contacts, adds Anita Pankake, chair of the Networks Advisory Committee. Members may link up with others who can offer suggestions in response to a particular problem or concern, for example.
From its modest beginnings in 1985, the ASCD networks program has grown into one of the Association's most popular services. The program began with four networks in 1985 and now numbers 43 networks reaching more than 11,000 members. The networks range in size from 40 members to more than 1,000.
Common Needs
What spurs the creation of a network? Often, educators share a common need for information—and networks offer a unique avenue to meet that need. Such is the case with the Rural and Small Schools network, launched last fall. "Rural and small schools, even though they make up a large proportion of the education system, don't get the attention they should," says Raymond Francis, the network's facilitator. The network plans to share information on curriculum resources or professional development geared to rural or small schools. In addition to a newsletter, the network hopes to establish an electronic mail system to allow members to ask questions and bounce ideas off one another, says Francis.
Another new network, the network for Teacher Leadership, is interested in sharing ideas about how teachers can take leadership positions without leaving the classroom, says Ronnie Konner, the network facilitator. It, too, plans a newsletter and hopes to link members via a computer network.
The Arts in Education network, with more than 1,100 members, is one of the largest and longer running. Members receive several newsletters per year, explains Bernadette O'Brien, the network facilitator. In the newsletter, members can report research they've conducted or submit questions or requests to which other members respond. And the network plans to put together a video magazine on the arts, which may include footage contributed by members. "We really want to keep the arts alive and well in the schools," says O'Brien of the network's purpose.
The Networks Advisory Committee, which meets twice a year, selects the networks that ASCD will sponsor. Committee members are: Anita Pankake (chair), Commerce, Texas; Rosita Apodaca, Dallas, Texas; Brenda Benson-Burrell, Glassboro, N.J.; Josianne Fleming-Artsen, St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; Richard Sinatra, Jamaica, N.Y.; Ron Tesch, White Bear Lake, Minn.; and Agnes Crawford, ASCD staff liaison.
Take Action on Networks
Take Action on Networks
Here are several ways to become more involved in ASCD networks.
To join or get more information about a specific network or networks, contact the facilitator for that network.
If you plan to attend ASCD's Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., March 27–30, 1993, you might attend a network organizational meeting or network-sponsored session. See your Conference Program for details.
For information about forming a network, contact Agnes Crawford, Assistant Director of Field Services, ASCD, 1250 N. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703/549-9110, ext. 506.