What the 2013 Conference Included:
A Unique Approach to Addressing Diversity
Much of good child welfare practice is based on fundamental values about families and children. Sometimes, child welfare professionals have values or assumptions that are contradictory to good practice. When these values or assumptions rear their head in training settings, trainers must be able to respond in a way that is respectful and promotes critical thinking while challenging erroneous assumptions.
In the morning session, these “sticky” situations were powerfully presented by OSU professors Robin Post and Elizabeth Wellman and students of the InterACT Theatre Project for Social Change.
Dr. Post and Ms. Wellman used their expert facilitation skills to guide conference participants in a rich dialogue about diversity and values conflict in training settings. This unique, interactive approach addressed diverse learning needs and gave participants the opportunity to share ideas and apply strategies to build skills in preventing and managing these situations.
In the afternoon, conference participants chose among the following options:
- Workshop A, Managing Conflict While Promoting Inclusion: Hot Moments in the Training Setting Part II, was a continuation of the morning session. Participants continued the rich dialogue through facilitated discussion and group activities.
- Workshop B, Addressing Diversity in the Learning Environment, helped participants identify, select, and plan to address diversity issues related to their training topic and presented additional strategies to effectively respond to diversity and diversity issues in the training environment.
- Workshop C, Ethical Dilemmas in a Learning Environment, focused on the role and responsibility the trainer has to identify and manage ethical dilemmas that surface during learning.
Representatives from all eight RTCs gathered in one room, giving trainers the opportunity to introduce themselves, provide the RTCs with information about their learnings, and ask questions about the unique learning needs of their region.
The OCWTP acknowledged all of its trainers for their hard work and dedication, and for the role they play in making this an excellent training system. In addition, the OCWTP presented the Rising Star Award and the Linda Pope Award to two deserving trainers.
- Professional Development Sessions
All conference workshops were specifically tailored to address the training needs of trainers and offer CEU credit through the CSWMFT Board. In addition, a workshop was available for those who need to meet the ethics continuing education requirement.
- Update on ODJFS/OCWTP Current Initiatives
Representatives from ODJFS and PCSAO provided brief updates on current child welfare initiatives and trends that will impact the training system.
- One-on-One E-Track Assistance
During the registration process and at lunch, an E-Track help desk was available. Trainers had their specific questions answered and watched demonstrations on facilitator functionality in E-Track.
|
