LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES. Connecting LOCAL ADULT EDUCATION LEADERS TO IDEAS, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION

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1 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES Connecting LOCAL ADULT EDUCATION LEADERS TO IDEAS, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION A C O M P R E H E N S I V E P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T PA C K A G E F O R L O C A L A D U LT E D U C AT I O N A N D L I T E R A C Y P R O G R A M M A N A G E R S

2 Introduction Local program managers are key players in the delivery of quality adult education and literacy services. Like most of us in the field, they came into this business sideways, with degrees in everything from political science to home economics. Many of them had limited or no preparation for the complex tasks of leading, planning, implementing, and evaluating adult education and literacy services. That is why the professional development of local program managers is critical to program improvement and the quality of service. That is also why the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC) and CLEE have joined forces to develop the Leadership Excellence Academies (LEA). Browse through this booklet to learn how your state can get involved in this exciting professional development opportunity. NAEPDC and CLEE invite your participation. Dr. Lennox McLendon Executive Director National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium Geri Mulligan Director University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment 2 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES

3 About the NAEPDC The National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium was incorporated in 1990 to fulfill a desire of state adult education staff to enhance their professional development. Organized by state directors of adult education, NAEPDC has five main purposes: To coordinate, develop, and conduct programs of professional development for state adult education staffs; To serve as a catalyst for public policy review and development related to adult education; To disseminate information on the field of adult education; To maintain a visible presence for the state adult education program in our nation s capitol; and To coordinate the development of national and/or international adult education initiatives and link those initiatives to state programs. For additional information, visit NAEPDC s website: About the CLEE Founded in 1988 as the Center for Literacy Studies at the University of Tennessee and renamed in 2012, the mission of the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment is to support continuous improvement in the fields of education and workforce development through training, resources, advocacy, and research. The vision of the CLEE is to be an international leader in achieving and maintaining a future where all individuals have the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world and we value: All forms of literacy and numeracy including health, economic and financial, workforce education and technology. Lifelong learning for individual growth, meaningful employment, economic independence, civic participation, and social justice. The innovative use of emerging technologies to fulfill our mission and reach our vision. A focus on the needs of learners, practitioners, and partners to inform and improve our work. Diversity and inclusion in an interconnected world. A staff that maintains excellence in all areas of work while continuously reflecting upon and improving its practices For additional information, visit CLEE s website: clee.utk.edu. LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES 3

4 Background Combining years of experience in training adult educators, the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC) and ProLiteracy joined forces in 2006 to launch an exciting professional development initiative for local adult education and literacy program managers: The Leadership Excellence Academies (LEA). With funding from the Verizon Foundation and Towers Perrin, the two organizations pilot tested the two-year professional development program and national certification for local program managers. The pilot test phase included approximately 60 local managers in Arizona, Maryland, and New York. In 2013, a new partnership began with the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment (CLEE) to further enhance and promote LEA activities Since 2006, more than 2100 adult educators from 26 states have participated in the LEA program. The participants represent local leaders in both agency-based and community-based organizations. Participating states include: Arizona*, Arkansas*, Georgia*, Idaho, Illinois*, Indiana, Kentucky*, Maine*, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York*, North Carolina*, Ohio*, Rhode Island*, South Dakota, Tennessee*, Texas*, Vermont, and Wyoming. * These states have sponsored two or more LEA cohorts. In 2013, ProLiteracy refocused their work and asked the Center for Literacy, Education & Employment (CLEE) at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to be NAEPDC s partner. The new partnership brings CLEE s adult education experience and talent to the Leadership Excellence Academies. 4 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES

5 Program Design The overall focus of LEA is to offer a responsive, cost-effective leadership development program that utilizes a skills-based approach and is grounded in sound leadership and management concepts, principles, and practices. LEA is 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. Managers are trained by national trainers with strong backgrounds in local adult education and literacy program management and leadership. National certification in program improvement and graduate credit are available for participants who wish to pursue these options. The program offers a variety of options so that states can select the professional development package that best meets their needs. LEA is based on research and evidence-based practice and assists our program administrators in learning and implementing different strategies for continuous program improvement to increase adult learner success. KAREN LIERSCH, ARIZONA STATE DIRECTOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES 5

6 The LEA Curriculum The LEA curriculum is focused first and foremost on program improvement. It includes a series of six modules that are offered over a two-year period. Five of the six modules combine face-to-face workshops with interim learning activities and various web-based activities. The fifth module, The Leadership Approach to Program Improvement, is a stand-alone online course. The six modules include: Year One Using Stakeholder Assessments to Identify Strengths and Needs Integrating Research into Teaching and Learning Using Data to Guide Program Management Year Two Strategies for Motivating and Retaining Adult Learners The Leadership Approach to Program Improvement: How Leaders Inspire, Influence, and Achieve Results (online course only) Getting Instructors Off to the Right Start I have been provided with more targeted, hands-on, adult education program training in the last year than I was able to decipher in the last fifteen years on my own. RITA KENYON, CMPI, ROME, NEW YORK 6 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES

7 Training and Certification Options NAEPDC and CLEE understand that the professional development needs of states differ. That is why a variety of options are available. States may select one or more of the following: National Certification: A state can contract for the complete training series with follow-up learning projects leading to national certification of local program managers. ProLiteracy will track and certify completion of all training activities. Participants who complete all of the required activities by designated submission dates are formally certified and can display CMPI (Certified Manager in Program Improvement) after their names. Graduate Credit: Participants who complete the two-year course requirements may earn up to six (6) credit hours from Ohio University s Educational Administration graduate program at a significantly reduced rate. They must meet the same requirements and designated submission dates as those seeking national certification. Professional Development Only: Participants complete all of the LEA activities but are given a more flexible submission policy. They are not eligible for national certification or graduate credit. State Certification: A state can contract for the complete training series with follow-up learning projects leading to a state certification or endorsement. Customized Training: A state can request a customization of the training series to meet state-designed certification criteria. The Leadership Excellence Academy is a perfect fit with our efforts to upgrade the professional development system for adult educators. The content is cutting edge and addresses the issues that all adult education program managers face today. TOM ORSINI, FORMER NEW YORK STATE DIRECTOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES 7

8 Who Should Participate? Selection of program managers to participate in the Leadership Excellence Academies is an important task. LEA is designed to support local adult education and literacy leaders and those striving to become leaders. Participants must be willing to commit time and energy to their own professional growth and have access to instructional staff. States can determine if they want their participants to have access to one or both of the following options: 1. National certification and/or graduate credit or 2. Professional development only. All participants are expected to complete interim activities and a culminating learning project, but those selecting to pursue national certification and/or graduate credit must meet all submission deadlines. Participants will receive detailed guidance on LEA expectations and timelines and be asked to declare their intent to pursue certification and/or graduate credit during the first workshop. Participant Expectations In Year One, participants will be expected to: Actively participate in: o o o Three six-hour face-to-face workshops, Two one-hour online courses, and Three one-hour webcasts. Complete and submit interim activities between the face-to-face workshops. In Year Two, participants will be expected to: Activity participate in: o o o Two six-hour face-to-face workshops, One six-hour online course, and Three one-hour webcasts. Complete and submit interim activities between the courses and submit a culminating learning project. States are encouraged to select participants through an application process to ensure that the attendees are aware of participation expectations and willing to pursue their professional growth. NAEPDC has a collection of sample applications that can be adapted. 8 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES

9 Role of the State Agency The state adult education agency is an integral and valued partner in the design and implementation of the Leadership Excellence Academies. The LEA staff works closely with each state to ensure that the planning and delivery of the professional development program meets the state s needs. To receive the optimum benefit of the Leadership Excellence Academies, states are expected to: Solicit interested participants through an application process and submit participant contact information by the designated date; Designate one individual as the state contact person to communicate with LEA staff; Support the training process by selecting and covering the costs of a training venue, arranging for appropriate training technologies, and providing refreshments; Ensure that all training materials sent to the designated state contact are available at the training site at least one hour prior to the workshop; Provide incentives to encourage and recognize participation (e.g., paid travel, state recognitions, etc.); and Ensure access to computers with high-speed Internet for program managers participation in webcasts and online courses. LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES 9

10 Services and Cost The pricing is structured on a cost per participant basis. NAEPDC and CLEE understand that budgets are tight. We have therefore been diligent in keeping the prices affordable and have worked with states, both large and small, to accommodate needs. Pricing reflects a total comprehensive package that encompasses a year-long professional development program for less than $800/person per year.* *Based on 40 participants, first year of participation Services in Year One: Phone and consultation to assist in planning and implementing the Leadership Excellence Academies Three face-to-face workshops with training provided by two nationally known experts with experience in local program management and leadership (Price includes trainer fees and travel.) Comprehensive field-tested training notebooks for each participant with a wealth of resources and strategies A 15-minute introductory online tutorial that acquaints local managers with the LEA program and their responsibilities as participants Two one-hour online courses to introduce key concepts related to (1) program improvement and (2) the effective use of data Three interactive webcasts for participants to share their experiences with the applicationfocused interim activities and to resolve any issues that arose Free access to the online LEA Participant Library that contains additional resources for local program managers Electronic portfolios for participants where they can store interim activities and learning projects Electronic transcript enabling participants and trainers to track project completions Ongoing technical support for accessing and completing all web-based activities Review of participants activities and learning projects to determine eligibility for certification Opportunity to earn three (3) semester hours of credit from Ohio University s Educational Administration graduate program for less than $150/credit (Completion of all LEA activities by designated due dates is required.) 10 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES

11 Services in Year Two: Two face-to-face workshops with training provided by two nationally known experts with experience in local program management and leadership (Price includes trainer fees and travel.) Comprehensive field-tested training notebooks for each participant with a wealth of resources and strategies A six-hour online course that focuses on key leadership strategies contextualized to adult education and literacy Three interactive webcasts for participants to share their experiences with the applicationfocused interim activities and to resolve any issues that arose Free access to the LEA Participant Library that contains additional resources for local program managers Electronic portfolios for participants where they can store interim activities and learning projects Electronic transcripts enabling participants and trainers to track project completions Ongoing technical support for accessing and completing all web-based activities Technical assistance in the completion of culminating program improvement projects Review of participants activities and culminating learning projects to determine eligibility for certification and/or graduate credit (Completion of all LEA activities on designated due dates is required. A $75 certification fee will be charged by CLEE for qualified participants seeking national CMPI certification.) Opportunity to earn three (3) semester hours of credit from Ohio University s Educational Administration graduate program at less than $150/credit (Completion of all LEA activities on designated due dates is required.) The Leadership Academy has been quite an eye-opener! I have greatly benefited from the chance to interact with providers from other states as well as those from my own state. I have always been a gut and guru type of person, ready to jump on the latest bandwagon without a lot of thought beforehand. This academy has taught me the importance of research and planning before acting. MELINDA BROWN, CMPI, LEONARDTOWN, MARYLAND LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES 11

12 Services and Cost The pricing schedule is calculated on a cost per participant basis: the more participants who enroll, the more a state will save. The following charts outline the range of costs. Costs include all of the services listed on the previous page. To accommodate the needs of smaller states, there are now two options available: 1. A reduced cost for cohorts of 10 to 15 participants that provides for one trainer 2. LEA Consortia in which adjoining states jointly sponsor an LEA cohort and a) participants meet at one central location, or b) the states utilize technology to broadcast the face-to-face workshops to instate locations. (The trainer rotates among the states for each of the face-toface workshops. Please note that the face-to-face workshops require group interaction so streaming to individual computers is not an option.) Cost for Participants (2 trainers) YEAR ONE YEAR TWO # of Participants Cost Per Participant # of Participants Cost Per Participant 40 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $918 Cost for Participants (1 trainer) YEAR ONE YEAR TWO # of Participants Cost Per Participant # of Participants Cost Per Participant 15 $ $ $ $1479 Costs for all cohorts of 10 to 40 participants are included on the next two pages. 12 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES

13 Leadership Excellence Academies Costs for Cohorts # of Participants YEAR ONE Participants One Trainer Total with Travel Total Cost per Participant 10 $18,092 $1, $18,214 $1, $18,336 $1, $18,458 $1, $18,580 $1, $18,702 $1,247 # of Participants Participants Two Trainers Total with Travel Total Cost per Participant 16 $26,877 $1, $27,043 $1, $27,209 $1, $27,375 $1, $27,541 $1, $27,707 $1, $27,873 $1, $28,039 $1, $28,206 $1, $28,372 $1, $28,538 $1, $28,704 $1, $28,870 $1, $29,036 $1, $29,202 $ $29,368 $ $29,534 $ $29,700 $ $29,866 $ $30,032 $ $30,199 $ $30,365 $ $30,531 $ $30,697 $ $30,863 $772 # of Participants YEAR TWO Participants One Trainer Total with Travel Total Cost per Participant 10 $14,788 $1, $14,922 $1, $15,056 $1, $15,189 $1, $15,323 $1, $15,457 $1,030 # of Participants Participants Two Trainers Total with Travel Total Cost per Participant 16 $21,343 $1, $21,521 $1, $21,698 $1, $21,876 $1, $22,054 $1, $22,232 $1, $22,410 $1, $22,588 $ $22,766 $ $22,944 $ $23,122 $ $23,299 $ $23,477 $ $23,655 $ $23,833 $ $24,011 $ $24,189 $ $24,367 $ $24,545 $ $24,722 $ $24,900 $ $25,078 $ $25,256 $ $25,434 $ $25,612 $640 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES 13

14 Leadership Excellence Academies Staff LEA Website Program Directors lea.clee.utk.edu Dr. Lennox McLendon Executive Director National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium Geri Mulligan Director University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment Project Managers Stacey Wright Project Manager Wright and Associates Beth Ponder Associate Director University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment Gail Cope Program Coordinator University of Tennessee Center for Literacy, Education & Employment National Training Team Lennox McLendon (NC) Peg Morelli (OH) Guadalupe Ruvvalcaba (TX) Bob Weng (MO) Joann Weinberger (PA) Stacey Wright (VA) 14 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMIES