Wednesday, December 19, 2001
|
Wednesday, December 19, 2001 |
|
Fayette teacher hopes to use presidency to educate public on applied curriculum A special type of English curriculum that helps high school students prepare for entry into the work force is about to grow in popularity if Paula Anderson has anything to say about it. Anderson, a teacher of applied communication and coordinator of the applied communication program at Fayette County High School, has been elected as the new president of the Georgia Applied Communications Consortium. The organization develops workshops and disseminates information designed to provide English teachers with fresh ideas and a network of contacts to improve and strengthen instruction for students in applied literature/composition classes. Anderson said she first learned about the curriculum, which focuses on non-college-bound juniors and seniors, eight years ago. The program teaches the standard literature, composition and grammar subjects but also includes a work force communication component. "What a novel idea, combining the English academics with the real-life skills so necessary for the future work force," Anderson said. "Not only could I teach the basics of English, but also I could teach students the very relevant skills for their future employment." Anderson signed-up to take the required training for both applied communication I and II. Over the past eight years, she said she has seen the positive impact that the program has had on the lives of her students. However, she says many people believe that the curriculum is the easy way for students to meet their junior and senior year high school English requirements. Through her new appointment as president of GACC, Anderson hopes to change those attitudes by educating parents, teachers and school administrators about the necessity of applied curriculum. "Those students who have gone through the classes will tell others that it is not an easy course of study," Anderson explained. "What is unique is that students learn how to combine the concepts they attain from various literary pieces and the work force skills from the applied curriculum and apply this knowledge to the real world. It becomes an extremely relevant curriculum for the students." Before becoming president of GACC, Anderson served as secretary and president-elect. In addition to educating others in the state about the importance of applied curriculum, Anderson said she and her slate of officers also plan to revise the curriculum's teaching manual and meet with various government officials to talk to them firsthand about the vital need and importance of applied education. "Students throughout the state who are enrolled in the applied literature/composition classes are taught by some of the most creative, enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers in Georgia," said Anderson. "These teachers go the extra mile in that they teach the basics of literature and composition as well as the skills and concepts all students need to become competent members of the 21st century work force. I am proud to be associated with this group of educators."
|
||