The MI SIG provides a forum for discussing and disseminating research regarding the educational, counseling and scientific implications of the theory of multiple intelligences.

Objectives

1. Establish an interactive web site
2. Initiate an email MI SIG Newsletter
3. Plan a dynamic MI-focused research program for the annual AERA conference
4. Support graduate student research
5. Disseminate research regarding MI "best practices" for instruction & curriculum
6. Explore appropriate assessment strategies
7. Investigate MI implications for school reform and restructuring
8. Provide current research regarding the scientific basis of MI theory
9. Discuss the teacher preparation implications of MI
10. Disseminate up-to-date news regarding developments in MI theory
11. Provide a voice for MI discussion in AERA

History

The MI-SIG was initiated with an organizational meeting at the AERA annual conference in Montreal, Canada on April 20, 1999. This meeting was organized by Branton Shearer after observing a curious phenomena at previous AERA conferences. Attendance at Howard Gardner's presentations was consistently standing room only but the remainder of the conference program was practically devoid of MI-related presentations. Several notices were circulated among AERA membership announcing the proposed MI SIG and about 75 positive responses were received. Twenty to twenty-five people attended the initial organizational meeting which was chaired by Shearer. During this initial meeting Howard Gardner wished us well and admonished the group to focus its efforts on research related to MI rather than educational implications since that is the purpose of AERA.

Bylaws

Article I: Name

The name of the organization is: Multiple Intelligences: Theory and Practice.

Article II: Affiliation

The organization, Multiple Intelligences: Theory and Practice, is a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and, as such, pays annual dues to AERA and participates in the AERA annual meeting.

Article III: Governing Authority

The organization Multiple Intelligences: Theory and Practice (MI-SIG) shall be governed by these bylaws, as well as the bylaws and articles of incorporation of the American Educational Research Association. MI-SIG bylaws shall not conflict with the bylaws and articles of incorporation of AERA.

Article IV: Purpose

The purpose of the MI SIG is to provide a forum for discussing and disseminating research regarding the educational, counseling and scientific implications of the theory of multiple intelligences. Pursuant to these purposes, the MI-SIG publishes a newsletter, maintains a website and research database, and may elect to hold occasional gatherings supplementing AERA meetings. The MI-SIG will organize a program of informational sessions at the annual AERA conference.

Article V: Membership

Section One: Eligibility

Membership in MI-SIG shall be open to any individual interested in the stated purposes of the organization and who pays the specified dues. Members of MI-SIG are strongly encouraged to hold membership in AERA.

Section Two: Duration

AERA members may join MI-SIG by paying MI-SIG dues through AERA Central Office using the appropriate form at the time of their AERA dues renewal. AERA members may join the MI-SIG at any time, but SIG membership expires conterminously with their AERA membership. Membership may be for one (1) or two (2) years, but members joining for two (2) years must conterminously be members of AERA for two (2) years. Non-AERA members may join at any time for either one (1) or two (2) years by paying dues directly to the membership chair. Their membership period will end as of the date of the AERA annual meeting.

Section Three: Eligibility

All MI-SIG members in good standing, fully paid in SIG dues, shall be entitled to vote for MI-SIG officers.

Section Four: Dues

The amount of MI-SIG dues may be modified by a majority of the SIG members voting at the annual SIG business meeting or by e-mail.

Article VI: Officers

Section One: General Officers of MI-SIG shall be elected by majority vote of the members at a regular business meeting held at the annual meeting of the AERA. The officers elected shall comprise the executive committee of MI-SIG and shall conduct all business of MI-SIG in the interim between the annual business meetings.

Section Two: Qualifications

All members in good standing with both AERA and MI-SIG shall be eligible for election as officers.

Section Three: Term

The term of office shall be for one (1) to two (2) years expiring at the end of the annual business meeting. No person shall serve in the same office for more than three (3) consecutive years. Terms for each office will be staggered so that all positions will not expire simultaneously.

Section Four: Offices

The following offices shall form the executive committee of the MI-SIG. Individuals to assist these officers may be appointed by the Chairperson.

1. Chairperson
2. Membership Chair / Treasurer
3. Program Chair / Chairperson Elect
4. Communications Chair / Secretary
5. Newsletter Editor

Section Five: Election Procedures

Each year, prior to the annual meeting, the chair, in consultation with the executive committee, shall appoint a nominating committee of not less than two (2) persons. This committee shall present a slate of nominees to the members of the MI-SIG at the annual business meeting. Nominations from the floor must also be accepted. If more than one (1) person is nominated for an office, voting shall be by a show of hands. A majority of those voting is needed for election. A tie vote shall be broken by the flip of a coin conducted by the Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Section Six: Vacated Offices

In the event that an office shall be vacated before the end of the term, the chair shall appoint a successor to that office. If the office is that of the chair, the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall appoint an interim chair until the next annual business meeting. They shall also designate a nominating committee that will present a slate of chair nominees to the members at the annual business meeting.

Section Seven: Compensation

No member of the executive committee shall receive a salary or other compensation for services as an officer of the SIG; but the executive committee may, at its discretion, reimburse members for expenses they have incurred in support of the MI-SIG.

Article VII: Duties of Officers

Section One: Chairperson

The Chairperson shall be responsible for the general administration of the MI-SIG and act as liaison between the group and AERA. S/he shall preside at all meetings of the executive committee and at the annual business meeting. The chair shall appoint ad hoc committees as needed.

Section Two: Membership Chairperson / Treasurer

The Membership Chairperson / Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping the membership list, record of dues and financial transactions.

Section Three: Program Chairperson / Chairperson Elect

The Program Chairperson / Chairperson Elect is responsible for submitting a call for papers each year and organizing the program slots made available by AERA at its annual meeting. As such, the program chair acts as liaison with the AERA program committee. The Program Chair will also be preparing for assuming the duties of the Chairperson by becoming familiar with the administration of the SIG and communication requirements with AERA.

Section Four: Communication Chair / Secretary

The Communication Chair shall edit the MI-SIG newsletter and arrange for the maintenance of the MI-SIG website. S/he will also be responsible for the safekeeping of all documents and official correspondence of MI-SIG and the minutes of the annual business meeting.

Section Five: Newsletter Editor

The Newsletter Editor shall compile and publish a MI-SIG newsletter by email or other means at least twice a year.

Article VIII: Meetings

Section One: Annual Meeting

There shall be an MI-SIG business meeting held each year in conjunction with the AERA annual meeting. Arrangements for the time and place of the meeting are the responsibility of the program chair.

Section Two: Executive Board

There shall be a meeting of the executive committee held each year in conjunction with the annual meeting and following the annual business meeting. This meeting shall be called by the chair.

Section Three: Governing Procedures

Issues of procedure not covered by these bylaws shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order (Revised).

Article IX: Ratification and Amendments

Section One: Ratification

These bylaws of the MI-SIG shall take effect upon ratification by a two-thirds vote of the members voting at a duly called business meeting.

Section Two: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members voting at the annual business meeting or by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership by a postal or email ballot. All proposed amendments must be in writing and be available for review by the executive committee at least seven (7) days prior to the business meeting. The executive committee shall review the proposed amendment and present it to the membership with its recommendation for approval or disapproval.

Article X: Discontinuation

In the event that interest in the MI-SIG shall be diminished, its purpose sufficiently fulfilled by another organization, or it is unable to sustain membership in AERA, the organization may be discontinued. The decision to discontinue shall be made by a two-thirds vote of the members voting at a duly called business meeting or by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership by a postal or email ballot. Should MI-SIG discontinue, its assets shall be used to pay all outstanding bills, debts, and obligations incurred in its operation. Any remaining funds shall be donated to the American Education Research Association.