Interview of an Adult Education Administrator

1. Interview of an Adult Education Administrator Shedrick DukesADE 6265: Dr. Debra Hargrove

2. Wylie Howard Director, Atlantic Technical Center-Arthur Ashe, Jr. Campus

3. Context of the Administrator’s Job • Arthur Ashe, Jr. Campus- opened doors in August 2013 • Part of a school board redevelopment program • Middle school was closed and repurposed • Goal is to address career training needs of the local community

4. Program Planning • Director oversees: • Open enrollment • Initial assessment of new students • Implementation of new programs • Hire and training of instructional staff, and • Collaboration with stakeholders • Majority time is maintainingcollaborations and implementation of new programs

5. Budgeting and Finance • Budget is funded by Broward County School Board • In addition to funding are student enrollment fees • Greater budget control as he demonstrates ability to manage the schools growth

6. Staff Recruitment, Selection, Supervision • Supervision includes instructional staff, support staff, office personnel and custodial crew • Huge pool of candidates looking to teach adults • Department heads are strong leaders which allow him to delegate without reservation

7. Public and Community Relations • Key to success is collaboration with employers • Priority is building relationships with stakeholders • Critical issue is getting employers to see the value this campus can bring their business • Businesses need better trained applicants

8. Marketing & Program Evaluation • Students are recruited through the school board’s marketing campaign • Advertise through television, radio, internet, and local job boards • Critical issue is need increase enrollment to demonstrate that community is utilizing the service

9. Administrator Skills • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to develop/implement programming • Ability to work well with diverse populations • Strong knowledge of computer technology and software • Knowledge of adult education theory as it relates to program and curriculum development • Must be willing travel to a variety of community locations and attend national conferences.

10. Challenges • Transient nature of students • When students struggle with personal issues many stop attending their program of study • Critical issue is supporting teachers to establish relationships with all students • Online programs allow instructors to reach out to students so work can be done at home

11. Success Rates • Mr. Howard’s opinion is the success rate of high school dropouts is significantly higher in adult education • Majority of students that he has seen enrolled are minority students • Mr. Howard feels that adult education is the second chance so many students need, because some learn better in this type of program

12. Administrator’s Self-Assessment • Rated most areas on Super Duper Delineation Assessment as Mentor Level-Key areas below • Discussion of assessment process and learning plans is excellent due to veteran staff • Online assessments like Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) help identify and resolve barriers • Just starting at site, so measurement of student progress is slow • Career Advisor helps with ongoing assistance to barriers

13. Administrator’s Self-Assessment • Pre-service training for new instructors is in development due to new GED program • Need improve training to reflect individual teacher needs, school district resources focus mostly on K-12 • Staff are evaluated after every term, versus annually • Highly encourages staff involvement in the decision making process