231 Change Teams

This instructor-driven project addresses the issues of accountability, record keeping, staff development, model program standards, and collaboration in the agency's 231 programs -- ESL, ESL-Citizenship, ABE, and programs in correctional facilities. Prior to the implementation of this project, the assistant principal and ABE/ESL Instructional Supervisor were responsible for writing and implementing the 231 grant and activities. While writing their proposal for 231 funding they realized that for true commitment, understanding, and buy-in to 231 program responsibilities and activities teachers needed to be an active part of the process. "Top down" mandates do not work. They therefore implemented the following activities:

- Determined number and nature of change groups (related to the agency's 231 programs) with general goals and objectives
- Developed an overall budget to include compensation for committee members
- Solicited volunteers with expertise in specific areas including instructors, staff and students
- Attended first group meetings to clarify goals and develop criteria to evaluate outcomes of the workgroup
- Received feedback from workgroups in progress
- Developed an action plan based on recommendations of workgroups
- Developed an evaluation of the project

The major focus of this program is on empowering classroom instructors with the knowledge, time, and compensation needed to design, implement, and evaluate 231 program activities. These activities are designed to increase and improve access for students and allow them to move through the program to reach their goals.

The agency now has better planned and coordinated activities resulting in effective use of 231 funds, buy-in from staff and faculty, innovative ideas and practices resulting from democratic procedures, collaboration between groups and among programs, a sense of accomplishment, and new products.