ASTA Position Statements November 2008

The Arkansas Science Teachers Association (ASTA) is an affiliate of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).  Most of our position papers are based on those positions of NSTA and other national science organizations.  These position papers taken as a whole, paint a picture of the qualities and standards for good science education.

These positions were developed by the ASTA Board, reviewed by committees and by the membership of ASTA on the Arkansas Science Teachers Association K-12 list server during the of 2008.

Download Position Statements

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ASTA Endorses National Standard of
No More Than 24 Students in Any Science Classroom 2006

The Nation Science Teachers Association has set a standard of no more than twenty-four K-12 students in a science classroom.  The National Biology Teachers Association and American Chemical Society also has set a standard of no more than 24 in the science classroom.

This national standard is different from our state standards.  The Arkansas Standards for Accreditation state, “Kindergarten shall have no more than twenty (20) students to one (1) teacher in a classroom.  However, kindergarten class size maximum may be no more than twenty-two (22) with a one half time instructional aide being employed for those classes. 

The average student/teacher ratio for grades one through three in a school district shall be no more than twenty-three (23) students per teacher in a classroom. There shall be no more than twenty-five (25) students per teacher in any classroom. 

The average student/teacher ratio for grades four through six in a school district shall be no more than twenty-five (25) students per teacher in a classroom.  There shall be no more than twenty-eight (28) students per teacher in any classroom.

In grades seven through twelve, a teacher shall not be assigned more than one hundred fifty (150) students daily; and an individual academic class shall not exceed thirty (30) students, provided that, in exceptional cases or for courses that lend themselves to large group instruction, these ratios may be increased. (From Standards for Accreditation, Arkansas Public Schools Revised January 2005, Standard 10.02).

ASTA endorses the national professional standard and recommends a limit of no more than twenty-four K-12 students in a science classroom with the following room sizes.

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BYLAWS OF THE
ARKANSAS SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
November 7, 1996

• Article 1: Name
• Article 2: Purpose
• Article 3: Membership
• Article 4: Board of Directors
• Article 5: Appointed Positions
• Article 6: Staff
• Article 7: Meetings
• Article 8: Standing Committees
• Article 9: Ad Hoc Committees
• Article 10: Constitutional Revisions
• Article 11: Miscellaneous

ARTICLE 1: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the "Arkansas Science Teachers Association." The principal office for the transaction of business shall be located at the Science Education Office of the Arkansas Department of Education. The Board of Directors may, at any time, determine the location of other offices.  bylaws     top

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSES

Section 1. To promote within the teaching group the highest professional practices; to encourage active participation of all science personnel in the solution of science problems; and to arouse allegiance to a genuine spirit of professional ethics and co-operation in Arkansas.

Section 2. To encourage science teachers to exercise the right and privilege to accept leadership in scientific affairs.

Section 3. To encourage effective cooperation among existing science teaching organization, educational institutions and agencies which similarly seek to advance science education.

Section 4. To assist in the dissemination of knowledge related to the methodology of science education and curricular updating of science education.

Section 5. To advance the quality of science teaching and promote a more widespread acceptance of science as subject worthy of serious study from pre-kindergarten through college.

Section 6. To speak for science teachers where matters of concern to science teachers and/or science education are involved.  bylaws     top

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility for Membership: Any person interested in the purposes of the Association may join by the payment of dues. Active members of the Association shall be entitled to vote, to hold office, to receive notices of meetings, and to receive newsletters and other publications the Association may issue. The membership year shall be one calendar year from the date of dues payment.

Section 2. Classes of Members: There shall be six general classes of membership in the organization. The qualifications and rights of the members of such classes shall be as follows:

Active Membership: Any person believing in the objectives of the Association who has paid membership dues shall be an Active Member. Members whose dues are delinquent sixty days after their anniversary date shall be dropped from the Association.

Life Membership: Any Active Member who wishes to extend membership to continue throughout the member's life shall be assessed a one time fee for life membership.

Student Membership: Any undergraduate or graduate student majoring in any area of education or preparing to teach science and not in full-time employment shall be eligible for membership. Student members whose dues are delinquent sixty days after their anniversary date shall be dropped from the Association.

Honorary Membership: Any person entitled to the highest recognition within the power of the Association shall be eligible for election as an Honorary Member, providing that such person has demonstrated a distinguished career in or service to teaching or research in the sciences. Nominations for honorary membership may be proposed to the Board of Directors by at least ten (10) active members of the Association. Such nominations shall be supported by appropriate biographical and bibliographical information. Election to Honorary Membership shall be based upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Sustaining Membership: Any person, organization, or corporation interested in advancing the objectives of the Association shall be eligible for election as a Sustaining Member.

Retired Membership: Any person who had previously been a member of Arkansas Science Teachers' Association and is now retired from active employment shall be eligible for a Retired Membership.

Section 3: Membership Dues

Honorary Members shall be exempt from the payment of dues or assessment of fees. The dues for all other classes of membership shall be set annually by the Board of Directors.   bylaws     top

ARTICLE 4: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Positions on the Board of Directors

Board of Directors: The number of Directors shall be sixteen (16). Officers and Committees shall serve from January 1 through December 31 of the year following their election or appointment to office. The Board of Directors of the Association shall consist of:

1. Officers: The officers of the Association shall be the President, President-Elect, and Recording Secretary who shall serve by virtue of their election.

2. Regional Directors: One regional representative from the Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Northwest, and Central regions of the state shall be elected bi-annually. The Southeast and Northeast Directors shall be elected in even numbered years. The Southwest, Northwest, and Central Directors shall be elected in odd numbered years. These geographical regions shall be defined by the Board of Directors.

3. Level Directors: One representative from the Elementary, Middle/Junior High, High School, and College Level shall be elected bi-annually. The Elementary and High School Level Directors shall be elected in even numbered years. The Middle/Junior High and College Level Directors shall be elected in odd numbered years.

Ex-officio Positions

Section 1. The Retiring President, the Executive Secretary, Treasurer and a representative of the Arkansas Department of Education representing science education shall serve as Directors by virtue of their offices.

Section 2. Executive Committee:

The Executive Committee shall consist of the Retiring President, President, President-elect, Recording Secretary and Executive Secretary.

Section 3. Terms of Office

The officers of the Association shall be elected annually for a term of one (1) year by the members attending the annual fall meeting. Regional and Level Directors shall be elected for terms of two (2) years. Newly elected officers and Board of Directors shall assume office on January 1 following their election. No person may be elected to the same office for an immediately succeeding term. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected.

Section 4. Election

All officers of the Association shall be chosen by ballot by the membership-at-large in the annual meeting.

Section 5. Vacancies

Except for the office of the President, vacancies that occur in any office because of death, resignation, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by nomination by the President and the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.

Section 6. Compensation

Directors as such shall not receive any salary or remuneration for their services. Reimbursement for expenses of attendance at Board meetings will be made based upon resolution of the Board of Directors and contingent upon the availability of funds. The Board may authorize remuneration for expenses incurred to its members in transacting association business insofar as funds on hand may warrant and a majority of the board has voted favorably prior to incurring the expense.

Section 7. Directors' Conflict of Interest

No contract or other transaction between the organization and one or more of its directors or any other corporation, firm, association, or entity, in which one or more of its directors are officers or financially interested, shall be either void, or voidable, because of such relationship or interest, or because such director or directors are present at the meeting of the Board or a committee thereof, which authorizes, approves, or ratifies such contract or transaction, or because such director or directors votes are counted towards such purpose, if:

a. The fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the Board or committee which authorizes, approves, or ratifies the contract or transaction, by a vote or consent efficient for the purpose without counting the vote or consent of such interested directors; or

b. The fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the members entitled to vote and they authorize, approve, or ratify such contract or transaction by vote or written consent, in which vote or consent such interested directors may participate to the extent that they are also members; or

c. The contract or transaction is fair and reasonable to the organization and the fact of such relationship or interest is fully and fairly disclosed or known to the organization.

Section 8. Loans to Directors

The organization shall not lend money to or use its credit to assist its directors or officers.

Section 9. Liability of Directors for Wrongful Distribution of Assets

In addition to any other liabilities imposed by law upon the directors of the organization, the directors who vote for, or assent to any distribution of assets rather than in payment of its debts, when the organization is insolvent, or when such distribution would render the organization insolvent, or during the liquidation of the organization, without the payment and discharge of, or making adequate provisions for all known debts, obligations and liabilities of the organization, shall be jointly and severally liable to the organization for the value of such assets which are thus distributed to the extent that such debts, obligations and liabilities of the organization are not thereafter paid and discharged. A director shall not be liable under this section, if, in the exercise of ordinary care, such director relied and acted in good faith upon written financial statements of the organization, represented to such director to be correct by the President or by the officer of the organization having charge of its books and accounts, or certified by an independent, licensed or certified public accountant or firm, of such accountants, fairly to reflect the financial condition of the organization, nor shall such director be so liable if, in the exercise of ordinary care and good faith, in determining the amount available for such distribution, such director consider the assets to be of their book value. A director shall not be liable under this section, if, in the exercise of ordinary care, such director acted in good faith and in reliance upon the written opinion of an attorney for the organization.

Section 10. Duties

The President shall:

1. Cooperate with and make him/herself generally available to organizations and meetings involved in science-science education activities and shall otherwise be active in professional activities.
2. Preside at all meetings of the organization and at all meetings of the executive board
3. Appoint the chairman and members of all standing committees.
4. Appoint such special committees as may be necessary.
5. Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees so appointed.
6. Preside at all meetings of the organization and call meetings of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
7. Plan agendas for all meetings of the board after consulting with the members of the Executive Committee.
8. Direct the corresponding secretary to provide all members of the Board of Directors with copies of the agenda and all reports pertinent to the business of the Association at least one week prior to any scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee.
9. Represent the Association at one regional or national meeting of the National Science Teachers Association with reimbursement of documented expenses to be paid by the Association, within budgetary limitations.
10. Prepare an annual report of the activities of the Association.
11. Submit a news article to the ASTA Webmaster and a letter from the President to the Newsletter Editor at least 4 times a year.

The Retiring President shall:

1. Serve as the Public Relations Agent for the Association.
2. Serve as parliamentarian.
3. Chair the Nominations Committee.
4. Assume the duties of the President in that person's absence.
5. Function as a working and voting member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
6. Assist in coordinating the activities of the Regional Directors.

The President Elect shall:

1. Succeed to the office of President.
2. Chair the Convention Committee for the spring and fall meetings of the Association (including program, site, meal arrangements, and speaker(s)).
3. Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President and the Retiring President.
4. Function as a working and voting member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
5. Serve as ex-officio member, without vote, on all Standing Committees.
6. Act as alternate for the official delegate to a NSTA convention.
7. Represent the Association (or appoint a representative) at the NSTA Summer Board/Council of Associated Groups meeting with reimbursement of documented expenses to be paid by the Association, within budgetary limitations.

The Recording Secretary shall:

1. Keep or cause to be kept, accurate minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Association and shall within a month after each such meeting, send a copy of the minutes to each board member
2. Receive and file reports and programs of regular and special meetings of the Association
3. Attend all regular and special meetings or submit a written report to the President prior to the meeting.

The Regional Directors shall:

1. Attend all general membership and Board meetings or submit a written report to the President prior to the meeting.
2. Maintain contact with school districts within their region.
3. Inform district contact persons of ASTA activities, meetings, and promote membership
4. Serve on the Program Committee.
5. Encourage newsletter article submission by members and will submit an article of activities for each newsletter.
6. Submit home page articles to the ASTA Webmaster at least four times a year.

The Level Directors shall:

1. Attend all general membership and Board meetings or submit a written report to the President prior to the meeting.
2. Maintain contact with teachers from their respective levels and with local, regional, and national organizations which serve their specific level.
3. Serve on the Program Committee
4. Encourage newsletter article submission by their constituents and will submit an article of activities for each newsletter
5. Keep the Board of Directors advised on trends/goals, needs, and opportunities at their particular level.
6. Submit home page articles to the ASTA Webmaster at least four times a year.

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ARTICLE 5. APPOINTED POSITIONS

Section 1: One-Year Positions: The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, may appoint a Corresponding Secretary. The person filling this position shall attend meetings of the Board of Directors upon invitation by the president.

Section 2: Five-Year Positions: The Executive Committee, with approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint an Executive Secretary, a Newsletter Editor, a historian, and Treasurer.

The Corresponding Secretary shall:

1. Handle the general correspondence of the Association as directed by the president
2. Be responsible for maintaining the correspondence necessary for effective organization of the Association.
3. Maintain a file of all correspondence received and sent out by the Organization
4. Send notices of regular and special meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to the members concerned.
5. Attend all regular and special meetings or submit a written report to the President prior to the meeting.

The Newsletter Editor shall:

1. Be responsible for the collection, publication and distribution of material constituting the official Arkansas Science Teachers Association publication.
2. Publish and distribute to members no less than four (4) issues of this publication within 30 days of October 1, January 5, March 1, and May 1 of each fiscal year.
3. Publish and distribute other mailings as directed by the president or Executive Committee
4. Attend all regular and special meetings.

The Executive Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for the maintenance of an accurate file which lists the names and addresses of the Association's officers and membership
2. Assist and advise the President in all activities of the office of the President
3. Maintain a Policies and Procedures Manual for all activities of the Association
4. Function as liaison between the ASTA President and any organizations or institutions which may initiate business with ASTA.
5. Attend all regular and special meetings or submit a written report to the President prior to the meeting.

The Treasurer shall:

1. Receive all monies.
2. Keep a continuous and complete record of the finances of the Association.
3. Pay bills as budgeted and authorized by the Executive Committee.
4. Maintain a membership list and handle membership dues collection
5. Serve as the chair of the Finance Committee.
6. Be responsible for the maintenance of an accurate file which lists the names, addresses, and dates of dues payments of the organization's officers and members.
7. Keep an itemized accounting of the organization's receipts and disbursements.
9. Make monthly reconciliations of the cashbook and shall submit a financial report for the fiscal year at each annual meeting or on demand by the Board of Directors.
10. Be responsible for supervising, upon counsel of the Board of Directors, the organization's reserve funds.
11. Work with the Finance Committee to prepare an annual budget for presentation to and adoption by the Board of Directors at the mid-winter board meeting.
12. Be responsible for the preparation of the organization's financial reports and tax returns required by the IRS and/or state government.
13. Publish to the membership a detailed account of all receipts and expenditures once yearly in the newsletter.
14. Attend all regular and special meetings or submit a written report to the President prior to the meeting.
15. Shall have the books and records reviewed each year by an accountant. Full audits will be conducted whenever legally required.

The Historian shall:

1. Maintain a scrapbook of that documents association activities such as conferences or meetings.
2. Develop and maintain an archival record (such as officers of each year and copies of minutes of meetings.
3. Organize chronological records of newsletters, reports of t-shirt sales, lists of award winners and other annual events.
4. Attend all regular and special meetings.

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ARTICLE 6: STAFF

Section 1. Employees

The Board may authorize the employment of other employees as are needed to carry out the purposes of the organization. The salary, or wages and other terms of employment shall be set by the Board, who may enter into contracts of employment with such employees on behalf of the organization. The Board may enter into contract with independent contractors to fulfill the needs of the organization in the event employment is not the preferable route to procure such services and provided contracted services are consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.     bylaws     top

ARTICLE 7: MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings

An annual meeting of the members will be held during the fall of each year with the exact date, time, and place to be established by the Board of Directors, for the purpose of electing officers and for the transaction of business of the organization. The Board will decide on the occurrence and dates of any other general membership meetings. The Board shall endeavor to give notice of all such meetings by word of mouth, publication in newsletter, science listserver, and home page. The members present at the annual meeting represent a quorum and business can be conducted. All meetings shall be governed by the ASTA Bylaws and Procedures for Order of Business and Standing Rules, or by resolution of the Board.

Section 2. Regular Meetings of the Board

A regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors may be held immediately before or after the annual meeting of members. Not less than three additional regular meetings of the Board shall also be held. One such meeting shall be held during either January or February of each year. Both retiring and newly elected members of the Board of Directors shall attend this meeting. Additional meetings of the new Board shall be held during either May or June of each year, and the other meeting shall be held during either August or September of each year. All meetings shall be governed by the ASTA Bylaws and Procedures for Order of Business and Standing Rules, or by resolution of the Board.

Section 3. Special Meetings of the Board

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the President or any three (3) Directors. Notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors, either regular or special, shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the meeting by written notice delivered personally, sent by mail, or by electronic mail (receipt acknowledgement required) to each Director at his address as shown by the records of the Association. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the U.S. mail. All meetings shall be governed by the ASTA Bylaws and Procedures for Order of Business and Standing Rules, or by resolution of the Board.

Section 4. Informal Action by Directors

The Board of Directors or the Executive Committee may conduct meetings by means of a conference telephone call or similar communication equipment such that all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice shall be required for to such telephone meetings.

Section 5. Open Meetings of the Board

It is the intent of the organization to conduct its business in open sessions whenever possible; however, in those circumstances where the Board is discussing or acting upon strategy with respect to litigation, implementation of security systems, purchase of property, interviews with prospective employees and discussion of personnel matters, the meeting shall be closed. On any other matter which the Board feels must be dealt with in a confidential manner, the Board may close its meeting to the members of the organization and the general public, an affirmative two-thirds vote of the Board members present is necessary to close the meeting.

Section 5. Quorum

Three-fifths (3/5ths) of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board.

Section 6. Removal

Any officer or director may be removed from office by 2/3 vote of the Board members at a Board meeting for failure to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office.  bylaws     top

ARTICLE 8: STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. The President-Elect shall submit to the Board of Directors selections of members of the various standing committees, (including the chair of each committee) not later than the 15th of December of the year prior to the year he shall be President. Such members shall, upon approval by the Board of Directors, serve during the term of office of the President who so appointed them or his/her successor during such term. Appointment of ad hoc Committee Chair and members shall not require approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2: There shall be six Permanent Committees: Nominations, Membership, Awards and Recognition, Finance, and Convention.

Section 3. Committee Duties and Composition

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE: The Nominations Committee shall make one or more nominations each for the offices of: President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Elementary, Middle/Junior High, High School, and College Level Directors, and Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast, and Southwest Regional Directors. The President-Elect shall be nominated President for the ensuing year unless the Nominating Committee shall by a three-fourths (3/4ths) majority nominate another person. On or before the first day of August following its appointment, the Nominating Committee will certify the nominations to the Executive Secretary, who shall cause the same to be published in the next issue of the ASTA newsletter. Additional nominations for officers may be made if presented by a petition bearing the signatures of at least fifteen (15) Active Members in good standing. All additional nominations must be received by the Executive Secretary before the first day of October. The Retiring President shall chair this committee.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: The Membership Committee shall be responsible for promoting membership in all classes. At the option of the Board of Directors, this Committee may consist of sub-committees, each to have as primary consideration one or more classes of membership.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION COMMITTEE: The Awards and Recognition Committee will be responsible for selecting winners of A Special Teacher Award (ASTA Award) for an elementary, middle/junior high, high school and college Active Member. The committee will also be responsible for nominating candidates for Honorary Membership and Special Award recognition. The committee shall obtain all plaques, certificates, etc. associated with such recognitions for presentation at the annual meeting. This committee shall be composed of five Active Members not presently serving on the Board of Directors.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: The Finance Committee shall be responsible for reviewing or auditing the financial records annually and reporting their findings to the membership at the time of the fall general meeting. The committee will assist the Treasurer in developing the annual budget for the Association. The Treasurer shall chair this committee to be composed of three Active Members appointed by the president.

CONVENTION COMMITTEE: The Convention Committee shall consist of the President-Elect as Chair and three or more Active Members. This committee will be responsible for the program at the time of the annual or other meetings of the Association, other than the business portion of the meeting. The Board of Directors shall determine the agenda for the business portion of the annual meeting. This committee shall have the responsibility for arranging all exhibits, demonstrations, scientific papers, workshops and other program components. This committee is also responsible for all facility arrangements as well as printing the program for such meetings. At the option of the Board of Directors, this Committee may consist of sub-committees.  bylaws     top

ARTICLE 9: AD HOC COMMITTEES

The President shall appoint such committees not herein provided as may be necessary to facilitate the management of the Association. All such committee appointments shall be made for a term coincident with that of the President unless otherwise provided in these association bylaws.  bylaws     top

ARTICLE 10: CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION

The Executive Committee may appoint a special committee to propose constitutional revision. If the report of this committee is accepted by the Board of Directors, the revision must be submitted to the membership for approval by two-thirds vote of the Active Members present at an annual meeting. Non-substantive changes and grammatical corrections to the constitution or by-laws may be made by the Board of Directors without general membership approval.  bylaws     top

ARTICLE 10: MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Indemnification

The organization shall indemnify any director, officer, or former director or officer of the organization [delete corporation] against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceedings, civil or criminal, in which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director of officer; except in relation to matters as to which he or she is judged in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performing of duty to the organization.

Section 2. Depositories

All funds of the organization not otherwise employed, shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the organization in such bank, savings and loan association, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may elect.

Section 3. Contracts

The Board may authorize any officer or agent of the organization in addition to the offers authorized by these bylaws to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on the behalf of the organization and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 4. Checks, Drafts, Etc.

All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the organization shall be signed by such persons and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board. In the absence of such determination by the Board, such instruments shall be signed by the Treasurer or an assistant treasurer.

Section 6. Investment

Any funds of the organization which are not needed currently for the activities of the organization, may, at the discretion of the Board, be invested in such investments as are permitted by law.

Section 7. Annual Audit

The financial books and records of the organization shall be reviewed annually by an accountant with a full audit to be done whenever legally required.

Section 8. Books and Records

The organization shall keep correct and complete books and records of all accounts and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, the Board, and committees having any of the authority of the Board and shall keep a record, giving the name and address of the members entitled to vote. All books and records of the organization may be inspected by any member or his/her agent or attorney, or the general public, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

Section 9. Dissolution

a. A resolution to dissolve the organization shall be submitted to a vote of the members.

b. In the event of dissolution of organization, the Board shall, after payment of all liabilities of the organization, dispose of the assets of the organization , exclusively for the purpose of the organization in such manner or to such organizations organized and operating exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Service law, and which is organized for purposes substantially similar to that of the organization.

Section 10. Nondiscrimination

This organization is an equal opportunity employer, and shall make available its services without regard to race, creed, age, sex, color, and ancestry or national origin.

Section 11. Political Activity

The organization shall not in any ways use association funds in furtherance of nor engage in any political activity for or against any candidate for public office; however, this Bylaw shall not be construed to limit the right of any official or member of this organization to appear before any legislative committee to testify as to matters involving the organization.

Section 12. Gifts

The Board may accept, on behalf of the organization, any contribution, gift, bequest, or device, for the general purposes or for any special purposes of the organization.  bylaws     top

ASTA PROCEDURES FOR ORDER OF BUSINESS AND STANDING RULES
Order of Business and Agenda

The following order of business will be used to create an agenda for each ASTA meeting. The President will print and mail the agenda and notification of the meeting location and date to all Board Members prior to any meetings. The Board will notify the membership of general or special meetings by newsletter, Science Listserver and ASTA Home Page.

All meetings will be conducted in this order unless amended by the membership.

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call If Needed
3. Reading and Approval of the Minutes
4. Treasurer's Report
5. Report of Executive Committee, Directors, and Committees:
Directors and committees will make their reports first following order: Executive Committee, Regional Directors, Level Directors, Standing Committees, and Ad Hoc Committees. All recommendations for actions (voting) are noted, but no action or discussion will take place. Reporting members will present their motions for action under New Business.
6. Unfinished Business:
Business postponed or referred by motion or left unfinished from the previous meeting as recorded in the minutes is unfinished business. The Secretary will inform the President of unfinished business prior to the setting of the agenda.
7. New Business:
Recommendations from Officers, Executive Committee, Directors, and Committees will be covered first. Items submitted to the Board are next in order. These are followed by any other actions the President deems necessary.
8. Program :
If there is a planned program, the schedule should be optional.)
9. Announcements:
Announcements need to be submitted to the President prior to the beginning of the meeting.
10. Adjournment

Standing Rules for Making a Motion

The following are standing rules for creating motions at Board and General meetings. All new business items the membership must be submitted in writing to the Board at least 24 hours before a Board meeting and a least 48 hours before a general meeting. Items can be faxed, e-mailed or mailed to the President.

To make a motion the following procedures will be followed:
1. The President and Secretary must have the members written copy of the motion in hand.
2. Member is recognized by the President and reads their motion.
3. Second to the motion:
If a motion comes as a recommendation from two or more members (such as a committee), the motion does not need a second.
4. President states the motion
5. Discussion:
The President determines the order in which members are recognized to speak, giving first opportunity to the proposer of the motion.
Each member may speak twice, but may not speak the second time until all other members who wish to speak have had an opportunity.
No member may speak more than twice during the same day to the same motion (only once on an appeal) or longer than ten minutes at one time without a vote of the assembly.
7. To end the discussion:
President may end discussion or a member may call for the question. A second is required.
Discussion can be closed by a two-thirds vote of the assembly.
8. Vote:
The President may chooses the voting method (voice, showing of hands, or ballot). The Secretary will tabulate the vote and report the results to the President.
9. Results of the vote will stated by the President.

Rank Order of Motions from Highest to Lowest
To Adjourn
To Recess
To Lay on the Table
To Close Debate (2/3 vote)
To Postpone to Certain Time
To Send to Committee
To Amend (Only one amendment to the main motion and one amendment to the amendment are in order at a time)
To Postpone Indefinitely
Main Motion

Amending a Motion

To amend a motion is to alter or modify the wording of a motion that has already been made.

1. Methods of Amending
a. Insert
b. Add (at the end)
c. Strike out
d. Strike out and insert (words only)
e. Substitute (a paragraph)

An amendment must be germane to the main motion; it must relate to the same subject matter.

2. Types of Amendments
a. Primary - an amendment that applies directly to the main motion.
b. Secondary - an amendment that applies directly to the primary amendment only.

No amendment beyond the above is in order and only one of each may be made at one time. It is possible to have a motion, an amendment to the motion and an amendment to the amendment before the assembly at one time, but no more than that.

3. Vote on amendments in the following order (top to bottom).
a. Discussion and vote on secondary amendment.
b. Discussion and vote on primary amendment as amendment (if amendment carried).
c. Discussion and vote on main motion as amended (if amendments carried).

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