Discussion of Goal 2.00

Objectives:

Provide continuous evaluation and assessment of curricula and faculty.

2.01 In order for new courses to be effective and relevant to the career needs of the judiciary, the Training Center and faculty must keep up with changes in methodology. Innovation is not the solution to every problem; rather, it is a form of "trial and error". When new curricula or teaching methods are used, it is imperative that an evaluation mechanism be incorporated for use in planning future academic years and programs. The Training Center and faculty should always strive to be current in training methods, subject matter, professional skills, and emerging issues through their own personal professional growth.

Case law and new legislative enactments will drive the emergence of certain issues impacting grant-related matters, such as course content (through mandated curriculum and annual hours requirements), teaching methods and budget restrictions. The Training Center is responsible for planning its programs by incorporating flexibility to deal with potential changes.

2.02 Emerging trends in continuing judicial education fall into three broad classes:

1. societal;
2. court administration; and,
3. education methodologies and technology.

For example, new issues and laws have significance for all three categories; However, the Code of Judicial Conduct is more significant for court administration, while adult education methodologies are primarily the concern of education. In other words, not all trends have equivalent impact on the program. Continuous monitoring, evaluating and fine-tuning are required. As laws change, so do curricula, and an out-of-date course may be adaptable. By surveying course participants, staff can identify the best faculty, the most successful classroom setting, and the course structures most conducive to adult learning.

see goal 1