CRSTE Meeting at NECC and Kick-Off Celebration a Success!

Inaugural member organizations of CRSTE met at NECC on June 30, 2009 from 4:45 to 6:15 PM in room 150 A of the Washington Convention Center to discuss plans for the upcoming year. Close to 100 educators attended, representing the length and breadth of this new regional NECC Affiliate.

It was agreed that each member organization will appoint two representatives to the CRSTE Board in preparation for its first meeting in September.

Meeting attendees all generated the following list of possible initiatives for the Board to consider:

- providing information on the National Ed Tech Plan due out later this year
- promote information and knowledge exchange at all levels across the region
- identify and pursue advocacy for ed tech
- providing a virtual conference when the ISTE conference is on the west coast
- providing an east coast conference in alternating years from when the ISTE Conference is in our region
- building a virtual library of professional development resources
- building open channels for communication and collaboration with other nations
- receiving student input on CRSTE initiatives
- providing teacher grants to promote use of technology in instruction
- creating outreach to library media specialist organizations across the region

Hot topics identified from the session that were also recommended for consideration include:

- sharing how technology coaches/integration specialists/resource teachers are utilized across the region
- showcasing instructional applications of Web 2.0 tools
- providing guidance and support for sustaining DOE initiatives after initial funding
- offering professional development and leadership on effective management of student data and information systems
- creation and sharing of learning objects
- engage technical staff in ongoing dialogue about their role in education

After the meeting, NECC attendees celebrated the launch of CRSTE with a Kick-Off Celebration at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. right across the street from the Convention Center. Free food and drink, live music and open exhibits were enjoyed by all attending. Many thanks to Smart Technologies for sponsoring this event as our first platinum sponsor!

For more than a century, The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. has been a respected and valued city institution. It is a dynamic and professional organization with a daring vision for the future not only for the Historical Society but also for the exciting city it calls home - the very same goals and aspirations to which CRSTE aspires! For these reasons, CRSTE chose to host its celebration at this most appropriate impressive and historical setting.

The reception offered all NECC attendees a chance to meet with CRSTE supporters from around the mid-Atlantic region: the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia while enjoying fresh hors d'oeuvres, cold drinks and live music. Guests also enjoyed entrance into two exquisite exhibits: The Quilts for Obama and Lily Spandorf's collection of Washington Nevermore. CRSTE buttons and name badge ribbons abounded in support of this newly formed regional organization!

Many thanks to Smart Technologies for supporting the celebration as our first Platinum sponsor!