Evaluation Capacity

Hi all. The evaluation capacity project is moving along. After a first round of classroom observations it was clear to those who conducted them that the "instrument" was only marginally useful. Several reasons were noted by interviewers. Spending a class period in a classroom was not enough time to ascertain whether a teacher was actually using many of the strategies learned in ACT. "Bump it up" questions would not be observed in a classroom that was well managed and where students were behaved and on-task, as was the case in the classrooms we observed. It was generally agreed by interviewers that we should design an instrument (questionnaire) for teachers and for principals that would go along with classroom observations. It was also generally agreed that the classroom observation questions should be more open ended and that the comments section should offer more room for comments. So we have now revised the classroom observation instrument and have developed two questionnaires to go along with the observations.
A new round of observations and interviews are being scheduled for the third and fourth weeks of February and the first few weeks of March. Any faculty member interested in helping with these interviews should contact me at nview@aol.com.
Thanks,
Fred Good

New PCT Site On-line

A great new web site dedicated to Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) has been created by Warren Mansell and his students at the University of Manchester, UK. The site cover various aspects of the history and applications of PCT. Bios of leading PCT practitioners and teachers are highlighted. References are made to the influence of PCT on several disciplines and aspects of life. Click on the title above to link to the new site.

Practicum Facilitator Training Process Changes

Barnes Boffey, Director for Professional Development, recently announced a significant change in the 'Practicum Facilitator' training process. Beginning Jan. 1, 2010 those wishing to become IAACT Practicum Facilitators will complete competencies outlined in "Competencies for the Unified ACT I & ACT II Practicum Facilitator". Information about the unified competencies can be obtained by contacting Barnes at barnes_boffey@alohafoundation.org.

Faculty Retreat Update

The call has been made by President Glenn Smith for IAACT faculty attending the March 19-21 retreat to submit their conference deposits. All payments (deposit - $125 for residential atendees; $45 for commuters or full - $250 & $90) should be directed to:
IAACT, c/o Fred Good PO Box 1046, Carrboro, NC 27510 as soon as possible.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Joseph Johnson has agreed to serve as retreat facilitator. Check out his web page at http://faculty.uncfsu.edu/jjohnson/ . Attendees are in for a treat in meeting and working with Dr. Johnson.

The conference agenda is being finalized with major emphasis on reconnecting, 'mapping IAACT's future' and 'sharing what works best'. Make plans to join us March 19-21 to strengthen bonds & grow IAACT. If you are still interested in attending the retreat and have yet to make that commitment, do so today. Your time will be well spent.

BE-Print Training Announced

BE-Print for Living, Inc. is joining Life Connections, Inc. and IAACT, Inc. in facilitating an ACT I (BE-Print I) and ACT II (Be-Print II) training in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday - Thursday: March 16th, 17th, and 18th. Mark your calendars now. Information on registration for this training, applying for scholarships, and agency rates can be obtained from Glenn Smith at 704-332-7278 or e-mail reactnot@aol.com if you have any questions. This training is approved for Professional Certification Credits.

Connected School Training @ Hilton Head

"A Connected School" training took place on Hilton Head Is., SC Jan. 18-21. Participants from California, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and London, England joined together under the leadership Perry Good and IAACT faculty to further their understanding of Perceptual Control Theory ideas and practices. AND, after four years, the weather was great! Don't you wish you were there? Have you ever seen the Loop drawn & described in the sand? It was an impressive site.