One big up-front note: The DEECD is NOT funding CRT Support Networks. They are providing funding for PDs specifically for CRT's, regardless of network affiliation, and using the network leaders to help distribute the funds with local input. DEECD funded PDs are open to all CRT's and what follows applies ONLY to DEECD funded PD's.
We have no intention of stopping with what we are currently doing to run a full-day PD with a nationally or internationally renown presenter. Local CRTs deserve that quality PD and the results from the Michael Ymer PD were unanimously positive. We are now also in the position to run these seminars in a very cost-effective way. There is no reason to stop going down that road. There are, of course, things we can do differently but we are not without restrictions.
There is a major barrier to the number of ways we can offer PD. One of the criteria to receive funding is that the PD be cost effective. This is assessed based on the cost per head to run the PD. This is required to be under a certain amount to receive the funding. Not only this, but part of the paperwork submitted afterwards includes the Cost per Head based on actual attendance. This means that non-attendance resulting in a very high cost-per-head will see the format rejected in the future regardless of the cost per head in the application.
PD formats ruled out on this cost-per-head basis I'm simply not going to discuss.
There is also a barrier contained within our ethics behind how we run PDs. We believe fully that you should be attending a PD because you think you are going to enjoy yourself and improve yourself. Filling in your PD hours for VIT registration should be the absolute last consideration on your list and you shouldn't have to give up something important in your personal life either. This not only means a variety of presenters but a variety of times and formats. It also means a high number of PDs.
The funding is not endless. We have a set amount per year to organise PDs with. PD formats that we consider too expensive are still discussed but the caveats on how expensive they are are included. The lower we can keep costs, however, the more PDs we can put on. It's that simple. What follows is our ideas on how to make sure we run the best PDs possible while keeping in line with the Department's value for money requirements.
There's 3 major costs to running a PD. There's minor ones too but they are generally easy to absorb into the "cost per head" equation.
1) Presenter costs. Presenter costs not only include running the seminar. They can also include travel costs, accommodation and meals. Resources supplied to participants can also come in this section.
2) Venue costs. These are the cost to hire an adequate venue with the facilities required by the presenter. This includes the space to fit the people attending, any Audio/Visual requirements and other considerations requested by the presenter.
3) Catering. Catering can be a big issue. If you use a venue, they often require that they also do the catering. They will have set menus for a set cost which they often refuse to alter as well as set prices that they do not negotiate on. Other venues allow us to source catering from any source we choose, allowing us almost complete control of the menu and the ability to bargain on cost. We are also not bound to use just one caterer. We can source the menu from a variety of places if it's in our best interest for Quality or Price.
As an example: We use Wodonga South Primary School wherever possible as a venue. It is a pleasant environment overall, has free parking and all amenities. It has a separate meal room with a warm and social atmosphere and outside seating if the day is nice enough for you to want to eat in the great outdoors. We can supply an urn and tea and coffee all day without paying an arm and a leg for it. It also has access to A/V equipment in the form of an interactive whiteboard and a portable projector. We pay virtually nothing for this venue as the school wants to support us in getting our PD.
On top of this we are free to source our catering from whatever suits us best.
As previously mentioned, it is a venue that allows us to get the best of both worlds. A nice venue and we can cover travel costs of presenters without breaking the Department's cost per head requirements. While the DEECD has assured us that regional CRT networks are allowed leeway because of travel costs we see no reason to push that particular envelope unless the PD in question is undoubtedly worth it.
When deciding on a format for a PD this all counts. If the presenter we want costs too much, the venue is stacking on the prices and the catering is costing us a fortune then it is very easy to see how we can easily over-run costs to a point where the Department will never agree on value. That being said, we can mix and match to suit. We can hire a venue and pay for catering if it's required, but that means getting a local presenter to eliminate travel costs so it all comes under that cost per head requirement.
This leaves us with an initial 5 possible PD formats. Keep in mind that we are always open to suggestions.
1) Non-local presenters at the Wodonga South Primary School on weekends. We obviously can't use the school during the week. This is about even with the cost-per-head requirement of funding criteria. Projected viable attendance, 25+.
2) Non-local presenters on weekdays. These will be expensive but depending on the venue and presenter it's viable provided a sufficient number of CRT's attend. Projected viable attendance, 30+.
3) Local presenters during the week. Without travel and accommodation costs this becomes much more viable. Projected viable attendance, 20+.
4) Local presenters on weekends. This is very cost effective because inexpensive venue and catering plus the lack of travel costs keeps us well under the criteria's value requirement. Projected viable attendance, 15+.
5) Local presenters for 3 hour PD's in the evening on weekdays or any time of day on weekends. We could use the school because the kids have all gone home. Catering doesn't include lunch, the presenter will be cheaper because it's only 3 hours, and travel costs will be minimal or non-existent. Projected viable attendance, 10+
Obviously we are not keen on option 2. By spending so much on one PD we are basically eating the money for an evening PD at Wodonga South Primary School. Just because we aren't keen on it doesn't mean we have ruled it out though, it just means we HAVE to have sufficient interest from local CRT's in order even start looking at organising it.
The other 4 formats are all completely viable in our opinion. Provided we balance the type we should see a large number of local PD opportunities that suit a wide range of people and everyone can get PD that's enjoyable and relevant to their specific needs.
Our current plan (and keep in mind that this is the current plan, not necessarily what WILL happen) is 1 full-day PD per term using a variety of local and travelling presenters. After that it's how many 3 hour sessions we can afford.At least 2 of the full-day PDs will be aimed directly at what the DEECD wants us to be educated about. We will use presenters selected and negotiated by the DEECD. The other 2 will be governed more by local needs. This may involve DEECD negotiated presenters or presenters negotiated by ourselves.
Half of the 3 hour sessions will be selected based directly on other presenters negotiated by DEECD. They will cover either part of the topics covered by DEECD presenters or approach the same topics in a different way. The other half will be selected more based on local needs.
Our email address is wodongacrt@vit.vic.edu.au and we encourage you to use it to ask questions or provide input. Remember that these are CURRENT PLANS only. We are open to suggestions from CRT's, full time teachers and school principals. Of course there's also the possibility that what we have planned simply isn't possible so changes would need to be made because of that too. As always, input is welcomed.
Mel.
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