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Planning and Resource Development

FUNDED PROGRAMS AWARDED 97/98

Application Abstracts

Project Title: The Marriage of Chemistry, Technology, and English
Project Director: Dr. Phronsene Chimiklis
Organization: Victor Valley College
Phone: (760)245-4271,ext.2357

The Chemistry Department at Victor Valley College will enter a consortium with Hesperia High School and the Inland Empire Writing Project with the primary goal of producing computer-aided instructional material that uses conceptual chemistry curriculum to teach students critical thinking skills while mastering the subject material.

Students who have taken introductory algebra generally have few problems manipulating mathematical equations and producing quantitative answers. But, as an initial science course, critical thinking skills necessary for in-depth conceptual learning are most often minimally present especially for those students with limited English course work.

By writing this curriculum on a continuum form basic to advanced levels for the different concepts, students will move at their personal pace to meet their individual needs. We seek to improve retention by 20% and raise the class grade average by 10%. It should also reduce the fiscal impact of students retaking the course and provide better articulation to more advanced course work. Finally, we believe that improving students' scientific competencies, they will be more ready for entry level employment.

This project has the short-range goal of helping students master chemistry and the long-range goal of developing skills to master future scientific/technology studies. In keeping with our understanding that students will ultimately seek employment, a final goal is to provide a level of knowledge which can be applied in the job market.

 

 

Project Title:New Horizons Program
Project Director: Dr. Fay Freeman
Organization: Victor Valley College
Phone: (760)245-4271,ext.2414

The Victor Valley College New Horizons Project is designed to serve the growing number of single parents who are returning to an educational learning environment in order to improve vocational skills and improve their living conditions. The paradigm shift will focus on transition for displaced homemakers from dependancy to economic self-sufficency. Major target groups shall be economically disadvantaged and minority women.

The project will address these objectives:

  1) To increase life long learning educational opportunities for 30 single parents/displaced homemakers to transition from dependency to self-sufficiency.  
 
2) To develop an academy program for 30 single parents/displaced homemakers that will provide self-esteem building, cultural diversity, non-traditional career information and academic educational plans. 		 
     
3) To provide job placement information and assistance for single parents/displaced homemakers. 		     

The activities to accomplish these objectives include outreach (advertising and recruitment), orientation, assessment and testing, career/educational counseling, life skill development, pre-employment preparation, linkage with campus supportive services, referrals to other community services (health care, legal aid, etc.) and job placement.

The New Horizons Project will be evaluated on the basis of acheivement of the stated objectives. We plan to enroll 30 single parents/displaced homemakers and graduate 70% percent.

 

 

Project Title: Technical Instructor Intensive In-Service Training
Project Director: Barbara Becker
Organization: Victor Valley College
Phone: (760)245-4271,ext.2661

This project will allow Victor Valley Community College in collaboration with the One-Stop Career Center to set up a High Desert Novell training center. The four instructors that will be trained will prepare courses in computer networks for presentation as part of the regular curriculum. Other instructors will be cross-trained in computer network technologies as part of the college's flex day program. SCANS Report competencies will be integrated into the curriculum.

The motivation for this program is a result of public, business, and industry seeking knowledge and education to meet demands of the changing global workplace environment. Objectives and activities include in-service training, development of curriculum, brochure development, and linkages with businesses and industry. The college's commitment is demonstrated by the selection of outstanding faculty members, Barbara Becker, Rebecca Palmer, Marc Ingle, and Vicky Geeson who are committed to obtaining this professional development training.

 

The purpose of the VATEA is to develop more fully the academic, vocational, and technical skills of secondary students and postsecondary students who elect to enroll in vocational and technical education programs by:
building on the efforts of state and localities to develop challenging academic standards;
promoting the development of services and activities that integrate academic, vocational, and technical instruction, and that link secondary and postsecondary education for participating vocational and technical education students.

The general authority for the uses of funds is interpreted to mean that the funds are to be used for:

  • to improve or expand, not maintain, programs
  • to develop, implement and improve vocational and technical education, not general education, programs
  • to improve programs, not isolated courses
Funds were expended in the following categories: Basic Skills, Curriculum Development, Equipment, Guidence and Counseling, Instruction, Professional Development, Supplementry Services, Administration, and Other (staff).

 

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