February 2010

Cultural Education Committee Minutes

February 9, 2010

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.        Location:  Seminar Room, 5th Floor, EB

REGENTS COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL EDUCATION

Regent James C. Dawson, Chair of the Cultural Education Committee, submitted the following written report.

Your Committee on Cultural Education (CE) had its scheduled meeting on February 9, 2010.

In attendance were: Regents Dawson, Bowman, Brooks-Hopkins, and Tilles.

Absent: Regent Phillips

In addition to CE Committee Members: Commissioner Steiner

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Chair’s Remarks: Regent Dawson welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with a report on the Assembly Roundtable that was held in New York City on January 17.

Deputy’s Report: Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Cannell greeted everyone and spoke briefly about the Deputy’s OCE Monthly Report that was distributed to the Board of Regents prior to the meeting.  In addition, Mr. Cannell presented a brief statement regarding the budget.

CE(A) 1 - Regents Rule Section 3.27, Relating to Museum Collections Management Policies

This proposed amendment clarifies restrictions on the deaccessioning of items and materials in an institution's collections, consistent with generally accepted professional and ethical standards within the museum and historical society communities.

An opportunity for questions and discussion was provided. Clifford Siegfried, Director and Deputy Commissioner for the Museum provided additional information/clarification as needed.

MOVED, that the Board of Regents take the following action and approve Item as presented.

That paragraph (7) of subdivision (a), and paragraphs (6) and (7) of subdivision (c), of section 3.27 of the Rules of the Board of Regents be amended, as submitted, effective February 13, 2010, as an emergency action to expire and be deemed repealed April 13, 2010, upon a finding by the Board of Regents that such action is necessary for the preservation of the general welfare in order to protect the public’s interest in collections held by a museum or historical society by enumerating the specific criteria under which an institution may deaccession an item or material in its collection, remove the option allowing an institution to designate a structure as a collections item but keep intact any such designation made by vote of a board of trustees prior to December 19, 2008, and specify that no proceeds from deaccessioning may be used for capital expenses, except to preserve, protect or care for an historic building previously designated as part of the institution’s collection, as above.  Emergency action is also necessary to ensure that the emergency rule remains continuously in effect until it can be adopted and made effective as a permanent rule. 

Motion by:          Regent Tillis

Seconded by:     Regent Brooks Hopkins

Action:                 Motion carried unanimously

CE (D) 1 - E-textbooks: Tools for Improving Educational Efficiency and Achievement

Bernard Margolis, State Librarian and Deputy Commissioner for Libraries provided some background information on E-textbooks. While no action was suggested, Mr. Margolis wanted the Regents to be aware of the work they are doing and the changes that are occurring in the world of textbooks.  Universally accessible, e-textbooks are gateways to expanded informational and educational resources providing text, image and sound in an interactive, interconnected, and ever changing way.  Students and teachers are transitioning from traditional printed/bound textbooks to on-line texts and we are investigating whether the NOVELny database platform could be a tool for the easy delivery of e-textbooks to students, teachers, parents and schools across New York State; and are looking at the potential cost saving possibilities of e textbooks as well as the ability to better measure the effectiveness of learning resources as they relate to individual student performance and achievement.

An opportunity for questions and discussion was provided.

CE (D) 2 - OCE Digital Collections

Chris Ward, State Archivist and Deputy Commissioner for the Archives provided a brief overview on OCE’s digital collections.  This Item was brought before the Committee to discuss how the Department and OCE’s programs can harness and use modern technology to make rich content of the collections available to teachers and students and help them incorporate this content into their lessons. The Office of Cultural Education has content that can be used by teachers to enhance and expand the curriculum and bring life to learning.

Ms. Ward introduced Dr. Kristi Fragnoli, Professor at the College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY who provided additional information on how teachers use digital resources, such as those produced by OCE, to enhance and expand the curriculum and bring life to learning. Dr. Fragnoli also discussed how technology can be used to deliver training to OCE audiences over the Internet.  In conclusion, she talked about the importance of incorporating into teacher education programs training in how to access and use cultural content delivered over the Internet to ensure that new teachers have the tools they need to perform successfully in the classroom.  Handouts were provided.

An opportunity for questions and discussion was provided.

Meeting adjourned.