Communication in the Forefront

Montessori Life, Fall 2003 by Henderson, Amy

As our work in the field of education starts a new school year this autumn, the American Montessori Society also moves forward in its mission. Broadly, our AMS strategic plan calls for providing the following: enhanced communication to all members and the public, information regarding public policy issues, knowledge exchange for Montessorians, research validating Montessori philosophy and approach to learning, and securing the financial stability of AMS.

To reach these goals, our society depends on leadership at all levels and what each of us can do helping to support AMS counts. I am asking you to think about your involvement and invite you to help with the various aspects of our strategic plan and subsequent case statement highlighted in this issue of Mantesson Life. The staff, led by our executive director, Eileen Ast, has been working tirelessly to make AMS responsive to the needs of today's members. Following is a brief summary of recent progress toward our goals.

AMS as a Leading Information Source

In today's world of technology, our website has grown to provide a wealth of valuable information. Including the AMS web address in communications whenever additional resources about Montessori are requested can help with broadening our scope of communication. amshq.org is being updated this year to become a site that reflects our professionalism and efficiently organizes information. Log on, find your interest, and let us know your thoughts. Our webmaster, Bob Bates, is receptive to correspondence, or you might try posting a question on the bulletin board.

Locate your area of interest in public policy issues by using links to various organizations that can serve as your guide. Teaming with other organizations helps our voice to be heard by government officials and makes each of you an ambassador for our own AMS as you interface with others. Only with your action can AMS be a public policy advocate.

Communication of our Montessori education is in the forefront. The AMS board of directors' newest member is family representative Jean Marie Brown. She is a newspaper editor from Fort Worth who will assist with communications especially aimed at our Montessori families. We welcome her to the board and appreciate her expertise in communications.

If you prefer information in print, there is a new look to many of the AMS brochures that contain pertinent information designed to further understanding of Montessori education. Montessori Life continues to be our primary source of printed information. Joy Turner, editor, asks for your input-a letter, news item, or article-on a continual basis, so please help to make our magazine responsive to your needs.

Volunteers have worked over lhe summer making professional development and school improvement plans. The School Accreditation Commission held a retreat hosted by Sharon Damore, who is rotating off the team. This diligent group of volunteers will be offering 1-day workshops for Montessorians wishing to become consultants to AMS schools. The Accreditation Commission is comprised of Kathy Roemer, chair; Mimi Basso, staff; and members Carol Dale, Marie Dugan, Lynn Fisher, and Debbie Kelley. Our professional development menu this year boosts two conferences and one leadership retreat. Serving her last year as teacher section chair, Martha Torrence has put together a wonderful offering with eight touring symposia sites.

Financial Security of AMS

Funding for the various projects of our society has historically come from our constituency. This year we are hoping to cast a broader net to appeal to foundations and individuals with Montessorities, so if you have ideas please contact Eileen Ast (east@amshq.org or 212-358-1250) in the AMS office.

Please give generously this year as we kick off our Centennial Challenge graciously chaired by Chandra Fernando. The Centennial Challenge is a 3-year commitment of funds proposed by the Fund Development Task Force to secure resources for bringing Montessori education into the 21st century. This is an exciting lime to be a part of Montessori education as we gear up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Montessori school.

The AMS Living Legacy for 2003-2004 is our beloved Bretta Weiss. Bretta has made numerous contributions to AMS, served as the executive director, and continues to mentor numerous Montessorians along the way. This is a fitting tribute for such an outstanding member of our society as we honor Bretta for her work, inspiration, and commitment to AMS. Thank you to Dottie Feldman and the members of Bretta's committee for bringing us this superb living legacy. Proceeds from the Living Legacy and the Silent Auction make possible scholarships for teacher education.

Validation Research

The AMS Research Task Force headed by Dr. Betsy Coe have further defined their work for the next 2 years based on four components. Thank you to all the members who have submitted their classroom stories for the Voices from the Field qualitative study to Dr. Margot Ely at New York University. The second component of research underway is a study of achievement scores from Montessori private, public, and charter schools compared to other student populations. The third project is an opinion survey of Montessori alumni focused on their opinions regarding the impact of Montessori education on their lives. On the horizon of the research team is an observational tool designed to assess Montessori outcomes at early childhood, elementary, and secondary levels, created to become the basis for a comparative research study. Additionally, this tool will help teachers and administrators in schools with their own observations and assessments.