Standards of Excellence

Table of Contents

1. Mission/Focus Areas 2. Strategic Plan Goals 3. Governance 5. Conflict of Interest 6. Financial Accountability 7. Legal Compliance 8. Openness/Public Accountability

Mission The Science Education Council of Ohio promotes and supports excellence in science teaching and learning for all.

Focus Areas

Disseminate

knowledge

about current and proposed methods of science instruction and implementation of standards-based, exemplary programs. Knowledge Participation Effectiveness Secure greater

participation

in professional activities by science educators at all levels. Support and extend the

effectiveness

of existing programs of youth activities and initiate appropriate youth programs to meet recognized needs.

Strategic Plan Goals

Internal Operations : To review and revise SECO operational policies and procedures in order to provide an effective organizational structure to achieve the mission of SECO Voice of Science : To promote SECO as a voice for science educators to advocate the importance of science to those inside and outside the scientific community Membership Services : To provide meaningful and useful services to SECO members Communication and Public Relations : To disseminate timely information to members and the public Professional Development : To engage teachers through professional development opportunities to develop and enhance their individual and collective teaching and scientific expertise

Governance

SECO is governed by an elected, volunteer board composed of directors from 10 regions, representatives from associated groups, and appointed members who are committed to the mission of the organization. SECO : • periodically revisits its purpose to determine the need for revising and expanding its programs • evaluates , both qualitatively and quantitatively, its programs and projects in relation to its mission • acts with professionalism and respect in every action and regarding all persons served

Governance

(Page 2) Exec Committee District Directors Committees Associated Groups Engages in planning between meetings Selects and recommends Executive Director Facilitates annual review of Executive Director Develops policies for submission to board 10 District Directors Each district may elect two representatives Each representative has one vote May only serve two consecutive terms Strategic Plan Professional Development Membership Awards Newsletter Agora Conference Ohio Council of Elementary School Teachers Cleveland Regional Council of Science Teachers 1 representative each

Governance

(Page 3) Affiliated Groups NSTA ODE COSI

SECO

EECO AAPT Ohio Section BGSU Student Chapter NMLSTA See CONTACTS on website for organization names

Professional Growth Opportunities

Events Publications Grants & Awards

SECO Conference Drive-in Conferences NSTA Regional SECO Breakfast NSTA National Congress on Science Education SECO Newsletter www.secoonline.org

Agora Principal’s Leadership Award Friend of Science William H. Arnold Award Patricia E. Blosser Service Award See WEBSITE for updates and additional information.

Conflict of Interest

SECO board and staff members should act in the best interest of the organization, rather than personal interests or the interests of third parties. Conflict of Interest : • A conflict of interest occurs when a SECO representative has a private interest that may benefit his actions , or when a private interest could interfere with official duties • An interest need not be financial to create a conflict of interest

Financial Accountability

The SECO board practices sound financial management and complies with a diverse array of regulatory and accounting requirements. The financial system assures accurate financial records are kept. SECO : • Operates in accordance with an annual budget that has been approved by the board • Creates and maintains financial reports on a timely basis • Provides policies adequate for: investments; internal control procedures; and purchasing practices

Legal Compliance

SECO is aware of and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws . This may include, but is not limited to, the following activities: • complying with laws and regulations related to fundraising • financial accountability • document retention • lobbying and political advocacy, and • taxation.

SECO periodically assesses the need for insurance coverage in accordance with the nature and extent of the organization’s activities and its financial capacity.

Openness

SECO operates for public purposes with membership and public support. As such, SECO provides its members and the public with information about it’s purpose, program activities, and finances.

SECO : • Prepares information about the organization’s mission, program activities, and basic audited financial data • Provides members of the organization and the public interested in the affairs of SECO with meaningful opportunities to communicate with an appropriate representative • Maintains a record of all official business conducted by the Board and Executive Director that is available upon request

Public Affairs and Policy

SECO provides an important vehicle through which individuals organize and work together to improve science education within Ohio . SECO represents the interests of the people it serves through public education and public policy advocacy, as well as by encouraging board members, staff, and volunteers to participate in the mission of the organization. SECO : • Assures that information provided to members and the public is factually accurate and provides sufficient contextual information to be understood

Contact Information

Address Contact Website

Address : P.O. Box 2974 Westerville, OH 43086-2974 Kay Wagner Executive Director [email protected]

www.secoonline.org