Illinois Building a Presence FAQs:

1. What is the main goal of the Illinois Building a Presence (IBaP) Program for Science and Mathematics?
   One of the major problems cited by Science and Mathematics teachers is their isolation due to the lack of a professional network of colleagues. Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics is creating a statewide network of advocates for Science and Mathematics and offering them various resources, including professional development opportunities.

2. How does the Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics work?
   The Illinois Building a Presence Executive Committee and others nominates a cadre of educators to serve as Key Leaders for each state. Letters of application are submitted and a final selection is made. Each Key Leader selected is assigned one person from each of the 25–30 schools assigned to him/her to serve as a Point of Contact. Points of Contact and Key Leaders receive individual and electronic communications and professional support, including the National Science and Mathematics Education Standards, priority notification for professional development opportunities, and other resource materials to take back to their schools and share with their colleagues.

3. What is the network?
   The Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics network comprises all the Key Leaders and Points of Contact networks of participating districts. As new districts are added, the network expands. Individual state networks are important for communications and activities within states.

4. What is the role of a Key Leader?
   A Key Leader helps identify and serves as a resource for a number of Points of Contact for Science and Mathematics who are classroom teachers. A Key Leader can be a classroom teacher, principal, Science and Mathematics consultant, or other education-based professional. Specifically, a Key Leader is expected to:
   • Attend a training program to become more familiar with the National Science and Mathematics Education Standards and the Illinois Learning Standards.
   • Identify one member of the Science and Mathematics teaching staff from each of the schools assigned to serve as a Point of Contact in that school.
   • Provide communications and trainings for these Point of Contact volunteers similar to training received by the Key Leader.
   • Ensure that names and contact information for all Points of Contact are submitted to the mathematics and science databases.
   • Provide ongoing support and resources to Points of Contact.

5. What resources are provided to Key Leaders?
   A Key Leader is a selected educator who applies to be a supporter and contact person for 25-30 Points of Contact. A Key Leader is expected to:
   • Attend a standards-based training session offered by the Illinois Building a Presence program.
   • Communicate through emails about resources available on standards-based teaching and learning and activities sponsored by the Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics program.
   • Meetings/workshops with Points of Contact and other Key Leaders to share professional challenges and approaches to Science and Mathematics teaching and learning in general. These meetings may occur at conventions and association meetings.
   • Opportunities to work with local businesses and organizations as a leader in Science and Mathematics education in Illinois.

6. What is the role of a Point of Contact?
   A Point of Contact is a classroom teacher or administrator who volunteers to be an supporter and contact person for Science and Mathematics in his or her individual school building. A Point of Contact is expected to:
   • Attend a standards-based training session offered by a Key Leader.
   • Receive standards based educational materials on behalf of the school and make teaching colleagues at the school aware that it is available.
   • Be a visible representative for Science and Mathematics by helping colleagues be more aware of resources and opportunities for professional development in Science and Mathematics.
   • Communicate results of in-service sessions, success stories, and email messages.

7. What are the benefits for a Point of Contact?
   The opportunity to participate in a statewide network to increase understanding and acceptance of the National Science and Mathematics Education Standards and state standards. Increased knowledge of national and state Science and Mathematics education reform efforts and the impact these are having in Science and Mathematics education. Increased interaction with Science and Mathematics-teaching colleagues. Enhanced professional recognition as a leader to improve Science and Mathematics teaching throughout the local community and the broader professional community. Targeted emails about: resources available on standards-based teaching and learning activities in Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics states

8. What are the benefits of being part of the Illinois Building a Presence program?

   How does the program benefit teachers?
   Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics is creating a network for increasing the quantity and quality of professional communications among Science and Mathematics teachers and other educators. Professional development information and materials provided by the program emphasize standards-based Science and Mathematics teaching and learning.

   How does the program benefit schools?
   Information distributed to school buildings combined with the professional development opportunities of the Illinois Building a Presence network help schools to become active participants in Science and Mathematics education improvements. In addition, teachers of all disciplines have an immediate resource for Science and Mathematics (the Point of Contact) to help integrate these improvements into the entire school instructional program.

   How does the program benefit districts?
   With an advocate for Science and Mathematics in every school building, districts will have an identified cadre of individuals who are knowledgeable about both the national Science and Mathematics education standards and the state Science and Mathematics frameworks. Districts can use the Point of Contact network as they work to improve Science and Mathematics teaching and learning to share information and support.

   How does the program benefit students?
   Having a network of advocates for inquiry-based Science and Mathematics teaching and learning enhances every student’s opportunity to succeed. Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics helps teachers, administrators, parents, and state officials realize a shared vision for improving Science and Mathematics education.

   Does the community get involved?
   Illinois Building a Presence for Science and Mathematics state networks seek partners from PTAs, local businesses, the informal Science and Mathematics community, and other groups interested in Science and Mathematics education.

9. What is the principal’s role?
   The principal needs to be informed of the program’s goals and agree that these goals are important to his/her school. Principals may be asked to designate individuals in the schools who will serve as Points of Contact. Principals also may nominate individuals as Key Leaders for their areas. Many principals have supported the program by seeking funds for substitutes to allow Points of Contact to attend training sessions during the school week.

10. Are state Science and Mathematics teacher associations involved?
    The Illinois Building a Presence program is a true collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Illinois Science Teachers Association, the Regional Offices of Education, and the Educational Service Centers. All of these partners help select Key Leaders, participates in planning and professional development activities, and often supplements the materials provided.