[NIFL-4EFF:910] Re: Time constraints

From: Bonnie Fortini (bfortini@acad.umm.maine.edu)
Date: Mon Mar 20 2000 - 00:53:42 EST


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From: Bonnie Fortini <bfortini@acad.umm.maine.edu>
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Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:910] Re: Time constraints
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Hi Jeanette,
I am glad to see so many responses to your questions and comments and hope
you are not feeling so alone anymore.  I, too, am a part time adult ed
person- I have both administrative and teaching responsibilities, have
been in adult ed for 10 years, and involved with EFF development since
Maine began with our Quality Indicator's project back over 6 years ago.

Having watched and helped EFF develop, I believe it is not something a
person (teacher, administrator, student, funder) needs to *master* as
such.  Because it comes from such a real life process it seems to resonate
with most people, but often as an *aha* when the person sees themself in
the framework or rolemap.  Some of our understandings have come through
looking at our best practices and seeing how what we do reflects the
framework or a component part like the Generative Skills/Standards.  The
newly published *Equipped for the Future Content Standards* is a wonderful
resource guide (contact Faye Olsen at the EFF Center for Training,
Technical Assistance, and Materials Development at UMaine-Orono, of call
EDPUBS Clearinghouse at 887-433-7827 for a copy) that can keep everything
at your fingertips which might help with organization and easing some of
the load.  

Another shift that really helped me was when I began to rely on my
students and staff.  I found that students, especially, grasped EFF and
took it to heart which made it easier for me as a teacher.  After all, it
is all about student-centered education, and we really need to trust
learners.  As an administrator I sometimes have a harder job getting
faculty and staff to work in the spirit of EFF.  

I guess I'd like to encourage anyone having difficulty incorporating EFF
into their teaching or planning to take a look at the 16 EFF Standards
(formerly known as the generative skills) and just think about how you
will use all sixteen of them in making EFF part of your teaching,
learning, or administrative strategy.  Then, look at the Worker Role Map,
in your role as a teacher, and think about the key activity *Balance and
support work, career, and personal needs.*  The role indicators and common
activities should help people focus on the complexities of being a teacher
(and learner!) in the world as seen through the EFF framework.  We often
teach best by our actions, and modeling the way a successful adult
balances work, home, and community can be an important lesson for
everyone.

Good luck, and remember you're not alone!

Bonnie 

===========================================================================
Bonnie Fortini
Director, Machias Adult & Community Education                   
Coordinator, Coastal Washington County ABE Collaboration
c/o School Union # 102 
P.O.Box 277, 109 Court Street
Machias, Maine 04654
207-255-4917  Fax207-255-3093
also bfortini@mmhs.u102.k12.me.us  (for attachments and files)
===========================================================================



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