SPECIAL PROJECTS

During the 1994-95 academic year, adult education staffs of Victoria College and Victoria ISD were able to apply for acceptance in and attend the Academy for Excellence in Adult Education. The Academy was developed by Debbie Hammer and Nancy McCulloch, Adult Education Supervisors, to address the needs of the adult education teachers, specifically in the area of professional staff development. Starting in September of 1994, Academy teachers were asked to attend a monthly planning workshop, complete outside research, and plan and develop a regional inservice for all adult education staff members in the Victoria area. Members also met with the training staff from the Adult Education Professional Development Curriculum Consortium to learn training techniques, instructional strategies, and presentation skills. The Academy teachers specifically worked on (1) developing holistic lessons and being able to work with other teachers to develop their own lessons, and (2) developing criteria for student portfolios based on the needs and input of the students and teachers. Most importantly, Academy teachers developed their own professional portfolios, and then worked with area teachers to develop their professional portfolios. The regional workshop for all Victoria area teachers was held on Earth Day (April). Academy members had designed Earth Day T-shirts to wear, the participants were teamed by environmental events, and the lessons developed were holistic and earthy. What's on the agenda for the next Academy? The Internet of course. Based on teacher and student needs, new Academy members will surf the internet researching adult education themes and information.