Program Design

• The Academies are built upon a foundation of research, theory, professional wisdom, and best practices.
• Training occurs over time with opportunities for application through a series of interim activities and learning projects.
• Technology-based delivery mediums, including online courses, discussion boards, electronic portfolios, and webcasts, are combined with face-to-face workshops to expand access.
• Workshops and webcasts are facilitated by national trainers with strong backgrounds in local adult education management and leadership.
• National certification is available for program managers who wish to pursue a national credential.
• The program offers a variety of options so that states can select the professional development package that best meets their needs.
• The Academies are currently designed to be delivered over the course of two years when sponsored by a state adult education agency or provider. 
• Alternative delivery venues, such as pre-conferences at regional and/or national conferences, are being explored for individuals interested in pursuing national certification who reside in states where sponsored Academies are not conducted.
• Individuals who earn national certification in program improvement will carry that distinction for four years. During that time, a variety of flexible opportunities will be made available for them to renew their certification for a consecutive four year period.

New Online Orientation Course for Program Managers Available!

In addition to the Leadership Excellence Academies, NAEPDC and ProLiteracy have also developed an online orientation for new program managers.  This six-hour, asynchronous course provides an overview of the key knowledge and skills that new managers need to have right away as they begin their new jobs. The course is very interactive with (1) investigative assignments that engage viewers in learning more about their local and state procedures, (2) audio and video segments, (3) discussion boards, (4) lots of downloadable resources, and (5) quizzes and a final exam. Some of the topics that will be addressed include an orientation to adult education, characteristics of adult learners, recruitment, orientation, intake, instructional leadership, program management, the National Reporting System, accountability, data collection, and professional development.

The course serves as an excellent precursor to state-developed face-to-face orientation workshops for new managers.  NAEPDC offers technical assistance in designing the orientation workshops to build upon the online course content and in helping states design follow-up mentoring services.  The course can be purchased by clicking here.