Let’s “Pond”er the Future was planned as an inclusive event involving program managers, faculty/classroom support staff, and administrative support staff. The goal of the conference was to meet the PD needs of all three groups by providing all participants with opportunities to:
As mentioned in the introduction, the data collected from two CSC projects determined the content of the conference sessions. Innovative Approaches and Promising Directions examined the practices and structures currently in place in Academic Upgrading programs to ensure that all learners have the communication, math and self-direction skills needed to participate in the “new economy.” In particular, this project looked at the needs of underrepresented populations in Academic Upgrading programs including Aboriginal, youth, online learners and Ontario Works clients. Information was gathered through focus groups with managers, front line delivery staff and learners.
Managers: In total, 37 managers contributed information about how their programs addressed the needs of the underrepresented groups, what kinds of alternate delivery designs their programs provided and what kinds of linkages and referral processes were in place to help learners move into and among other programs.
Front Line Delivery Staff: In total, 117 front line deliverers had an opportunity to describe their program experiences with the underrepresented populations and identify their PD needs should the underrepresented groups assume a more significant role in their teaching practice.
Learners: In total, 456 learners contributed information about what would help them reach their goals. They were encouraged to make recommendations about Academic Upgrading.
The second CSC project, Provincial Models of Program Integration, which is ongoing, is intended to help college Academic Upgrading programs move forward with the implementation of One Stop by bringing together three of the largest adult education programs at both the provincial and local levels.