Minutes of A.M.A.P.S. Meeting

September 29, 2005

The meeting was held at Garguilo’s Restaurant and was hosted by Key Curriculum Press.

Danny Jaye opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking Key Curriculum Press for hosting the meeting. After introducing the members of the executive board, Danny asked people who are new members of A.M.A.P.S. to please stand and introduce themselves.

Sharon Hoosak spoke briefly about Paul Cinco’s retirement party. She explained that although it appears on the invitation as an informal cocktail party, the party will be of a less formal style but that there would be plenty of food and drink served.

Each school was encouraged to send their math team coach to Stuyvesant High School on Election Day for training. Schools that do not have math teams should consider starting one, and should send a representative for the training regardless.

Danny did not have any new information to share about the new standards and when they would be rolled out. However, he did emphasize that the Integrated Geometry course would include solid geometry and transformations. In addition, students will eventually be expected to be proficient in using dynamic software such as Geometer Sketchpad or Cabri. While many schools may not yet be equipped with computer rooms where students can use the software on a regular basis, it is important for teachers to be trained in using it, and to give demonstration lessons on them in class. Teachers should be able to have access to a laptop computer and a Smartboard. Danny also encouraged schools to provide ways for students to use the software at home. Although it is not yet universal, more students than ever have computers at home.

It was announced that schools might consider petitioning the College Board to allow their schools to give the AP exam the week of May 17^th. This would give students more time to prepare for the exam, and gives teachers an extra week where they can be productive.

Jack Cohen discussed job opportunities for retirees to work with new A.P.s. He said that he can be reached at 212-650-6229 or at jcohen314@aol.com.

Jeannette Tomasullo led a discussion on how to help new A.P.s. She posed the question “What would you do if…?” and asked several participants to suggest challenging situations that come up as part of our jobs.

Steve Rasmussen, President of Key Curriculum Press gave a presentation on Geometer Sketchpad, TinkerPlots, and Fathom. Several problems were looked at in G.S. He then gave a demonstration of the statistical capabilities of TinkerPlots and Fathom.

The meeting concluded with several people winning some of the programs and materials that Steve brought from Key Press.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Wolfe