Members Present:
Judge Donald Jorgensen, Chair
Judge Zane Anderson
Judge Richard Geiger
Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner
Peggy Larson
David McGeary
Members Absent:
Michael Ahlen
Judge Bruce Bohlman
Judge Robert Keogh
Keithe Nelson
Staff:
Carla Kolling
Chair Jorgensen called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. Drawing the members' attention to the agenda, Chair Jorgensen began discussions on the evaluation results from the Judicial Institute. Members discussed reducing the program to three and one-half days; beginning the program on Tuesday, lengthening the program to incorporate evening education activities, and splitting the day program into two sessions - 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. No action was taken.
Chair Jorgensen requested Carla Kolling bring the membership up to date on the objective of the Leadership Institute and to explain the statewide education plan that was developed as a result of our team's attendance.
Carla explained that the Leadership Institute in Judicial Education is a SJI funded program that was established in 1989. Its purpose is twofold. First, it is to educate a team of state educators on the principles of adult learning and, secondly, to assist states in putting together a statewide plan that would not only improve the manner in which states deliver judicial education programs, but enhance and strengthen the organizational structure responsible for the delivery of programs.
Carla outlined the list of ten goals the team focused on during their recent trip in Memphis as well as the proposed Mission Statement. (Attachment A and B)
Motion was made by Judge Geiger, seconded by Justice Kapsner, that the mission statement and the Judicial Education Action Plan and its ten goals be adopted. The motion unanimously carried. Chair Jorgensen will forward an outline of the Mission Statement and the Action Plan to the Supreme Court Justices for their review.
The chair drew the members' attention to the minutes of the October 12, 1998, meeting for review. Motion was made by Peggy Larson, seconded by Dave McGeary, that the minutes of the October 12, 1999, meeting be adopted. The motion unanimously carried.
Chair Jorgensen informed the members that while the Team was in Memphis, a certain amount of time was spent discussing the use of the IVN network for the delivery of educational programming. He explained that IVN would provide a means of getting information to the districts without having employees traveling a great distance. Justice Kapsner agreed by saying that her experience with IVN has been very positive. She emphasized, however, that not all programming is suitable for its use. The program needs to be focused and the length manageable - not over 60 minutes in duration. Peggy Larson said her experience with IVN was limited to one experience last October when the Commission experimented with it at its meeting. She agreed in that if the program was short and didn't require much in the way of dialogue with the presenters, it could work quite well. Judge Geiger suggested using IVN for a program on the use of UCIS.
Chair Jorgensen drew the members' attention to the next item on the agenda, Personal Development Plan for Judges. He explained that the development of a personal development plan for each judge would serve as a self evaluation of the judge's individual educational needs.
Justice Kapsner suggested having someone from the National Judicial College speak to the judges on the benefits and the process of developing a personal development plan.
Chair Jorgensen requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the November meeting.
Carla Kolling explained that due to Mr. Ahlen's recent surgery, he has requested that he be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities of approving requests for continuing judicial education (CJE) credits.
Chair Jorgensen asked for volunteers and Judge Zane Anderson accepted the challenge for a period not to exceed six months.
Carla Kolling informed the members that a number of employees have made inquiries as to why they are not mandated to attend yearly education programs.
Judge Geiger requested Carla to put together a listing of the categories of employees. The listing is to reflect which categories fall under AR 36 and the number of programs offered yearly for each.
Chair Jorgensen requested that Carla add this item on the agenda for the November meeting.
Motion was made by Judge Geiger, seconded by Justice Kapsner, to table action on Judge McGuire's request until supporting documents are received from him. The motion was unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Mission Statement
Continuing Judicial Education Commission
Provide quality education for all personnel of the judicial branch through an efficient delivery system that maximizes resources.
GOALS
Action Plan: Improve the manner in which education is being delivered in North Dakota.
Refinement of the Current Education Program.
Goal 1 To encourage secretaries who perform court recording functions to complete an orientation program which focuses on the policies and procedures of operating court recording equipment, taking the record, and preparing transcripts.
Goal 2 Is in the area of public information:
(1) To establish a speakers bureau consisting of judges, juvenile court representatives, state's attorneys, and sheriffs/police department with the intent of improving public education initiatives.
(2) To comply fully with the National Center's Trust and Confidence Conference recommendations.
(3) To support judicial performance evaluations.
Goal 3 To encourage periodic district meetings in order to improve communications among judges, clerks of court, juvenile court personnel, secretaries, and others on court-related issues.
Goal 4 To hold the Judicial Institute once each biennium commencing May 1999.
Goal 5 To implement alternative programming by interactive TV.Goal 6 To develop resources and faculty in non-legal areas.
Goal 7 To investigate the cost of producing a promotional videotape of the North Dakota Judicial System and the availability of grants to support the cost of the program.
Goal 8 To utilize the Judicial Education Commission as a clearinghouse for all education committees.
Goal 9 To ensure that education for judicial branch personnel shall encompasses professional and personal development.
Goal 10 To establish an education committee for judges.
It is the intent of the Commission to concentrate on implementing the ten major goals immediately, recognizing, however, that some may take two to three years to complete (accomplish).