Conference: 2004 Innovations in Higher Education:

Computers on Campus

Title of Proposal: Region-wide System of Identifying and Providing “Best Educational Practices” via Technology

Presenters: Dr. Valerie Bryan

Comprehensive overview of a project that identified not only a set of over 200 lesson plans and accompanying training materials, but also developed the criteria for review and the process of dissemination and adoption. Project was created at low-cost for the teachers using web-based and portable document formats. CD-ROMs will be distributed to participants in session.

Abstract

Overview

In 2002-2003, a region-wide survey conducted by Florida Atlantic University revealed a high need to provide professional development in key areas for adult, community and vocational educators. A team of adult, community and vocational educators were convened through the combined efforts of Florida Department of Education Region V Professional Development Councils, Florida International University, and Florida Atlantic University to create a region wide system of providing exemplary instructional practices to teachers in south Florida.

The team comprised of representatives from a four county area from local educational agencies, community-based organizations, local workforce agencies, career and technical education, Native America associations, and community colleges and university, assumed responsibility to:

1. Create a system for identifying “best practices” from existing programs and services that were worth emulating and/or adopting for the populations served.

2. Serve as a screening committee of projects invited via a call for proposals to in the targeted areas of adult basic education, community education, English for speakers of other languages, family literacy, general education degree and vocational or career and technical education.

3. Establish a dissemination method of the best practices which could provide anytime, anywhere access of instruction and staff development for impacted instructors and facilitators regardless of platform.

Creation of the System

The Teacher Assessment and Development System (TADS) criteria were used for the initial review of the project. Each project was judged based on how the project addressed: Preparation and planning; knowledge of subject matter; classroom management; instructional techniques; assessment techniques; and teacher–learner relationships. A matrix analysis was conducted to compare and contrast the various projects.

Key questions were asked of the “best practices” committee to establish the system and to review the projects:

• Do you have a training program for teachers?

• How are exemplary practices disseminated in your system?

• How can your program/system be improved?

• How should this project be designed to contribute to the improvement of your program/system?

Process of Review

As part of the call for proposals and the formal review, the “best practices “ committee viewed lesson plans, video clips, PowerPoints, instructional manuals and other artifacts. As part of the final review, a rating system prepared by one of the host agencies, Florida Atlantic University was use to further refine the selections of not only the locally-produced projects, but other projects created in the state that could be of value to the local teachers.

The final selected projects along with instructional materials needed to implement the various lessons were all placed in the matrix design with on a CD-ROM keyed by subject matter, the TADS system, the target populations, and the location of the project. In addition to the locally-produced best practices, other previously identified “best practices” lesson plans and accompanying materials from the region, other regions, or the state were also included on the CD-Rom to provide the maximum of materials in the most cost efficient manner. The inclusion of these materials provided the end user over 200 tried-and-tested lesson plans appropriate for use in the geographic area.

The CD-Rom also included individual success stories of students who had triumphed over adversity to become productive citizens through the combined support of family, friends, mentors and the assistance of adult education career and technical and programs throughout the Region. This added another dimension to the web-based material.

Dissemination of the Products

The CD-ROMs and the companion website for the best practices, http://www.adulteducation.fau.edu/practices, were then showcased with the creators of the lesson plans being invited to serve as guest facilitators throughout the region. Conferences were created to market the CD-Rom, the website, and to encourage the adoption of the “best practices” throughout the region. To date, over 1000 CDs have been distribute and two major trainings have taken place to encourage the use of this technology as a means to provide lesson plans and resources, cost effectively, that have already proved their worth in the region. Facilitators either full-time or part-time have access to a wealth of materials easily importable into their classroom with little or no modification, minimum cost that does not require internet access.