Network FAQ
What are networks?
What do ASCD networks do?
Are all networks online?
How do I join a network?
How can I get in touch with the facilitator?
Do I have to be an ASCD member to join?
Can I join more than one network?
What services does ASCD provide to networks?
How do I form a network?
How are network proposals reviewed?
What does a network need to do to maintain its relationship with ASCD?
How often does the network meet?
What relationship do networks have to ASCD affiliates and student chapters?
What are networks?
ASCD networks are a constituent group within the ASCD community uniting educators around a specific educational issue. Members of an ASCD network communicate with each other via telephone, fax, written correspondence, and e-mail. ASCD networks are flexible, fluid, and based on the needs of their participants. ASCD networks allow participants to exchange ideas, share common interests, identify and solve problems, grow professionally, and establish collegial relationships.
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What do ASCD networks do?
Each network is operated independently and provides different resources to its members. In general, however, most networks produce a newsletter, conduct a meeting at ASCD's Annual Conference, and provide information and resources to network members. Some networks sponsor conferences, workshops, Web sites, and electronic forums.
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Are all networks online?
No. But many networks have established Web sites to communicate with their members and to share their work with the public. Others facilitate Interactive Network Forums on specific topics.
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How do I join a network?
You can join a network simply by contacting the network facilitator. Some networks charge a small annual membership fee (under $25.)
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How can I get in touch with the facilitator?
For contact information, check the Network Directory. You can also call ASCD at 1-800-933-2723 or 1-703-578-9600 and press 2 to reach an ASCD Service Center consultant.
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Do I have to be an ASCD member to join?
No. Membership is open to all.
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Can I join more than one network?
You may join as many networks as you wish.
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What services does ASCD provide to networks?
ASCD is responsible for planning and evaluating the Networks Program and for selecting new networks each year. We provide all of our approved networks with a strong foundation of support, which includes
- An ASCD staff liaison.
- Authorization to use the Association's name.
- Opportunities for networks to meet during ASCD's Annual Conference.
- A meeting for network facilitators during ASCD's Annual Conference.
- An opportunity to apply for ASCD network support funds.
- An opportunity to apply for an ASCD special network project grant.
- Network information, including links from ASCD's Web site to individual network Web sites.
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How do I form a network?
See Start a Network for information on forming a network.
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How are network proposals reviewed?
Network proposals are reviewed and evaluated by a broad-based ASCD staff committee.
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What does a network need to do to maintain its relationship with ASCD?
Minimum criteria for continued ASCD support of a network include the following:
- Submission of an annual report to ASCD by the established deadline.
- Submission of a membership list annually.
- Evidence of commitment by the facilitator and the core group.
- Evidence that the network is meeting ASCD priorities.
- Evidence of realistic plans for achieving network goals.
- Evidence of in-kind contributions.
- Involvement of membership in network activities.
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How often does the network meet?
All networks are required to conduct one business meeting (forum) at ASCD's Annual Conference. Some networks offer additional conference and workshop opportunities.
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What relationship do networks have to ASCD affiliates and student chapters?
There is no official relationship between networks, affiliates, and student chapters, although they are encouraged to work together.
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