Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i1NHnqI28969; Mon, 23 Feb 2004 12:49:52 -0500 (EST) Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 12:49:52 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <00b601c3fa34$ec6d8630$0201a8c0@zorkani1> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Barbara Tondre" <btondre@earthlink.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1129] Pragmatic approaches to professional development X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1158 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 2395 Lines: 38 Colleagues, perhaps we can take a look at what Tennessee does in terms of professional development for its adult education programs. The state contracts with the Center for Literacy Studies at the University of Tennessee/Knoxville for the provision of professional development activites, including on-line pd. A professional development catalogue is published, listing all PD events and activities - chronologically, alphabetically, and by track. In addition, FAQs are answered, and info about valuable websites, electronic discussion groups, and other resources are included; this organization is especially helpful to those new to adult education as well as those who like info at their finger tips. Naturally, changes to the directory are inevitable, but those are announced electronically via a number of listservs. Each PD event is outlined in the directory with a brief description, the intended audience, PD points to be earned, date/time/location, registration procedures, and contact information. What I am seeing via my work as a contractor with Tennessee is a commitment to multiple-phase PD in a continuum that enables practitioners to address varing levels of interest, commitment, and achievement. And yes, incentive awards are part of the equation! I'm sure Jackie can provide details for those interested. Here in Texas, we are just getting back on track with PD. As Varshna mentioned, 7 centers across the state have been awarded grants to deliver professional development and technical assistance to both program adminstrators and instructional staff. This is a monumental task in such a large state and will no doubt take some time to fully and successfully implement. Top that with state legislation requiring us to develop demand-driven workplace literacy and basic skills curricula to address the needs of the Texas workforce - particularly the limited English proficient workers - and we've got our work cut out for us. Texas is hoping to focus on several industry sectors. The Workplace Planning Conference held in Chicago last December showcased some programs just beginning to "blend" English language instruction and occupational skills training. Teacher preparation was barely mentioned yet critical. As we know, wishing things to happen, or even having funding for an initiative is no guarantee of success! PD is key. Barbara Tondre-El Zorkani
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