Professional Development Features
2007 Ford PAS Training of Trainers (May 3 and 4)
2007 Training of Trainers Participants: Access materials here.
(5/10/07)
MNPS High School Teachers Receiving Ford PAS Training
Nashville, Tenn. (Nov. 9, 2006) - Implementing a new learning program designed to help high school students succeed both in college and the workplace is the first project for Metro Schools' new Office of Redesign and Innovation. The program is part of Metro Schools' overall goals of incorporating rigor, relevance and relationship.
Summer 2006: First Ford PAS Professional Development Institutes Offered
This summer was a busy but exciting one for Ford PAS. In addition to the annual networking conference held in Scottsdale, Ford PAS offered two Professional Development Institutes, in Michigan and Ohio. In July, the first National Ford PAS Professional Development Institute was held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Educators from 28 schools in 12 states participated in the weeklong institute, including a mix of new and experienced teachers from such varied disciplines as business, English, and engineering.
Participants and facilitators from the Ohio Professional Develpment Institute, Summer 2006.
Last spring, Ohio became the first Ford PAS state affiliate. In August, the first phase of professional development for Ohio teachers began, with a two-week professional development institute on Ford PAS Course 1 and Course 2. Participating teachers from seven schools will use the Ford PAS curriculum as the core of their manufacturing career and technical programs. Sinclair Community College in Dayton, where the institute was held, will provide ongoing technical assistance, professional development, and networking opportunities through the Ford PAS resource center located at the college’s National Center for Manufacturing Education.
The Ford PAS professional development program fosters reflective practice and teacher inquiry. Participants at both institutes explored the teaching and learning pillars of Ford PAS within the context of the Ford PAS curriculum. In hands-on sessions, teachers experienced, discussed, and reflected on teaching strategies and tools to build students’ skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. They also learned ways to link classroom learning with real-world applications. During the institutes, teachers participated in module activities as students. They also considered the activities from the perspective of facilitators of students’ learning and had the opportunity to reflect on their practice with peers.
Many participants in the institutes reported that they gained useful ideas and strategies through exploring the curriculum and its teaching and learning pillars, and from the interactions with one another:
“I will use more projects and engage students in more activities to use [their] critical-thinking skills. Inquiry-based has not been a part of my teaching practice in the past. As a result of this week’s activities, I will also implement this teaching style.”
“I will lecture less and use more project activities. Some of the Ford PAS activities have really given me insights on how I could make certain topics more interactive and fun for the students.”
“Working with other individuals who are involved with Ford PAS and sharing ideas with them was a tremendous experience.”
“The institute exceeded my expectations. I was not prepared for the ‘indepthness.’ I feel confident that I can teach the course.”
“It met and exceeded my goals by allowing me to experience the curriculum firsthand. I am now able to advocate genuinely.”
Building on the successes of this year’s summer institutes and the evidence that ongoing professional development is essential, Ford PAS will offer follow-up events for institute participants and host ongoing teacher blogs and a discussion list for teachers nationwide. Also, keep an eye out for upcoming information about Ford PAS 2007 summer institutes.
