Welcome
Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching
November 15-17, 2007 Austin, Texas
Come join us for our 50th birthday party this November in Austin! Our beautiful host city will allow you to enhance your content knowledge and expand your understanding of effective science instruction. The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) has been the host of the CAST conference for 50 years. We have the largest state science conference in the country! A record crowd of over 6,000 Texas science educators and administrators are expected in Austin this November for the highly anticipated 50th Anniversary special event.
CAST will offer you . . .
- TEKS-Aligned Science Professional Development
- Updates from Texas Education Agency
- Field Trips, Short Courses, National Speakers, Administrator’s Institute, Luncheons, Workshops...
- Huge Exhibit Halls (120,000 sq. ft.) with over 400 vendors and organizations showcasing resources & new science products for educators and administrators
- Special 50th Anniversary celebration of the Science Teachers Association of Texas!
We have compiled an overall schedule for you to showcase the many varied activities of CAST 2007. We hope to see you soon! View the latest version of the online program to explore Short Courses, Workshops, and Field Trips.
CAST 2007 Opening Ceremonies
The CAST 2007 Planning Committee cordially invites all CAST attendees to the CAST 2007 Opening Ceremonies Celebration. This event will be an inspiring and motivating kick-off to three days of fantastic professional development. Guest speakers will include State Representative Dawnna Dukes and Austin City Council Member Brewster McCracken. Musical entertainment will be provided by hundreds of students from Pflugerville ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Austin ISD. Click here for a more detailed program and don't miss the fun!
When: Thursday, November 15, 12:45 - 2 pm
Where: Austin Convention Center, Level 4-Ballroom D
Administrators and Policymakers Institute
Join us for a special day tailored to superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, legislators, policymakers, and all those interested in the future of science education in Texas. General and breakout sessions will address issues in STEM education from elementary to high school and beyond. Click here for an agenda. Also join us for lunch and insights from Dr. Mike Moses - former Texas Commissioner of Education and Superintendent of the Dallas Public Schools, Texas State Representative Rob Eissler, Chairman of the House Public Education Committee, and Texas State Representative Dan Branch, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Higher and Public Education Finance.
When: Thursday, November 15 from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Austin Convention Center
Registration: $50 (includes Resource Notebook and Luncheon)
How to Register:
Online Registration is closed. Please register onsite at the Austin Convention Center.
If you are planning to addend the entire CAST and would also like to attend the Administrators and Policymakers Institute and Luncheon, you may register as a CAST attendee and add the Administrator's Luncheon from the list of luncheon events on Thursday at 12:00 pm.
Latest news
Governor Rick Perry Sends Greetings
"As educators, your endeavors are reflected daily in the accomplishments of your students. You empower them to pursue excellence -to dream, dare and do. Today, I join my fellow Texans in commending the role you have played through the years in the success of young Texans, our brightest promise for the future.
First Lady Anita Perry and I extend our best wishes for a successful conference. And Happy 50th Anniversary!"
Read the full contents of Governor Rick Perry's letter of greetings and welcome to Austin for our 50th Anniversary conference.
Senator John Cornyn Congratulates STAT on the 50 Anniversary of CAST
"Senator John Cornyn congratulates Science Teachers Association of Texas on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching. In Sharing resources to enhance educational opportunities in science, you are investing in Texas' future. The study of science and its application is the keystone of the American economy and its progress. I commend you on your efforts to interest young minds in the pursuit of scientific knowledge."
View the certificate of congratulations from Senator John Cornyn.
Senator Florence Shapiro Welcomes Attendees to Austin
"At CAST 2007, you will be surrounded by 6,000 of the finest science teachers and administrators in this state. I hope as you attend the packed schedule of lectures, workshops, and speeches, you will get a chance to step back and marvel at the breadth of knowledge and dedication that the members of the Science Teacher's Association of Texas have been bringing to science teachers and administrators for the past 50 years."
View the letter of welcome from Senator Florence Shapiro.
CAST 2007 Registration
Online CAST registration is closed. Onsite registration will be $135 per person.
50th Anniversary Celebration Reception and Special Concert – November 15
Come celebrate our 50th Anniversary with complimentary tasty appetizers and beverages – and of course a big birthday cake! A band from Austin, the Mother Truckers, will deliver authentic country music and blazing guitars. Come celebrate in Austin on Thursday, November 15, from 5:00-7:00 pm!
CAST 2007 Hotel Reservation Still Open for Austin
Visit our housing page, to make your reservations online, or download a form to fax or mail. Housing reservations started in early April and will continue until October 8.
CAST 2007 Breakfast for First Time Attendees
Is this your first time to attend CAST? Join us for breakfast to learn who to see, what to do, and where to go. The Breakfast will be at the Austin Convention Center Ballroom B near the rotunda. Attend either Thursday or Friday morning 7:00 am - 8:00 am. Learn more about the Breakfast for first time attendees.
