F. Current Resources and Professional Development

I was interested in people's reflections on the development of resources and professional development opportunities from the time they started in the field up to the present. Most people agreed that ten years ago there were few resources, professional development opportunities and people involved in workplace literacy. However, their range of optimism about the present state of affairs showed some divergence.

Some people stressed the positive developments of the current state of resources and the development for the field.

For example, access to the Internet, the WEB and list serves was cited as creating greater access to resources and information within and across disciplines. In addition, increased numbers of mentors, regional networks, union-based networks, informal practitioner networks, conferences, think tanks, and an abundance of materials were noted as positive accomplishments over the last 10 years. Others saw a current lack of professional development and networking opportunities. For example: whereas previously there were government sponsored PD events, now practitioners have to pay, this being difficult since most work part-time and can't afford it.

Paul Jurmo indicated that in the US there have been peaks and valleys and that with the decline of the National Workplace Literacy Program, the US is now in a valley. He noted that the period of 1989-1995 was the period of greatest growth with the development of alternative approaches that promoted participatory practices.

Paul:

" We have a bit more expertise, but it is not well-pulled together. Workplace education is off the radar screen."