WINTER 2006
Katy Chase Leaves the Network, Moves to MLFCCA
Supporting the Natural Sequence of Learning
Sharing the Wisdom of Many Voices Conference
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES::
Contact: Julie Wasiluk
651-290-97004 ext. 119
Not by Chance:
Contact: Professional Development Coordinator
651-290-97004 ext. 200
Ounce Scale MN Child Care Project
Contact: Mary Scott
651-433-2182
Sharing the Wisdom of
Many Voices Conference
Contact: Professional Development Coordinator
651-290-9704 ext. 119
Building Blocks of Learning
Contact: Mary Wynne
651-290-9704 ext. 104
Contact: Cory Woosley
651-746-4024
Supporting the Natural Sequence of Learning
In an article entitled Levels of Learning: A Framework for Organizing Inservice Training , authors Judith S. Rycus, Ph.D., MSW and Ronald C. Hughes, Ph.D., MScSA say the following, “ In a competency-based training system, the competencies and the curricula developed to impart them are organized and sequenced to support the natural, predictable process by which most people learn. Training and education will be most effective if learning activities are congruent with and support this sequence. Each level in the sequence reflects different desired outcomes and requires different teaching strategies and methodologies.” This statement and the rest of the information provided in the article provide the foundation upon which the Child Care Resource & Referral professional development delivery system is building a new structure for delivering training and education.
Beginning in July, 2004, the Minnesota Department of Human Services funded a two-year exploration phase of structuring and delivering training that is more specific and responsive to the various educational and experiential needs of early childhood and school-age care practitioners. Jessie Schunk, project coordinator, along with input from CCR&R Network staff and a diverse group of stakeholders, developed a draft framework based on the work of Rycus and Hughes. This draft, entitled the “CCR&R Learning Continuum”, was presented at various practitioner and trainer focus groups around the state with input collected and presented to the Child Development Services Team at the Department of Human Services. In July of 2006, the CDS Team contracted with the Minnesota CCR&R Network to begin implementing a statewide training delivery structure that is based on the recommendations made in the final CCR&R Learning Continuum report.
The implementation phase of this new training delivery structure will take place over the next several years. Through June, 2007, Network staff have been asked to develop new communication tools; provide updates and information to trainers including interactive, face to face meetings; and utilize input given from a wide variety of stakeholders to develop strategies for successful delivery of all stages of learning on the continuum. During the period July, 2007 through June, 2008, the CCR&R professional development delivery system will begin a strategic effort to deliver more classes that fall in the latter stages of the learning sequence. Finally, in July 2008, full implementation of this effort will begin.
The Network professional development team is beginning to implement several of the recommendations made in the final report of the exploration phase, including “branding” or naming this training delivery structure the “CCR&R Building Blocks of Learning”. This name change reflects a major component of this structure, namely that CCR&R training will be organized into “blocks” or training levels that reflect the natural sequence of learning referred to in the Rycus and Hughes article. In short, the first training block or “Block A” will include trainings that lay the foundation of learning; “Block B” classes will increase knowledge and understanding; “Block C” classes will address changes in attitude and behavior and begin to explore application of knowledge; and finally those classes that fall into “Block D” will further the exploration of application by focusing on skill development.
Different training delivery strategies (including training structure, teaching strategies, learning outcomes and assessment) and trainer/instructor requirements were developed to support the overarching learning outcomes for each Block or stage of learning. Network staff are in the process of revising documents and creating new communication materials so that the structure for the Building Blocks of Learning is easy to understand. Plans are also underway to attend CCR&R sponsored trainer meetings, regional training advisory meetings, and other meetings/events in order to both inform CCR&R training stakeholders about the details of this structure, and to collect input on the most effective strategies for implementation.
Look for more information coming soon. In the meantime, if you have questions or comments, contact Mary Wynne , Professional Development Director, at maryw@mnchildcare.org .