I Am Now a Certified Performance Technologist!

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I recently applied to become a Certified Performance Technologist (CPT). This is a designation that is offered by the International Society for Performance Improvement. After several  weeks, I have received word from the reviewers and I am happy  to announce that I am now officially a CPT!

ISPI Standards
To qualify for the certification, an applicant must show that they have met each of the 10 ISPI Standards in multiple major projects. In addition, independent attestation from the people I worked with on these projects is required and verified by reviewers.

1. Results - Focus on results and help clients to focus on results.
2. Systematic - Look at the problem or need from multiple perspectives and at multiple levels.
3. Value - Always work to add value in everything you do.
4. Partner - Work collaboratively with your client, experts, and stakeholders. 
5. Need Analyze - Use systematic analysis to identify the gaps, needs, or opportunities. 
6. Cause Analysis - Identify systematically the root causes of the problems and gaps you have identified. 
7. Design - Systematically select and design solutions and solution sets that are based on the gap, need, or opportunity you have identified. Include design of implementation and evaluation plans. 
8. Develop - Develop solutions that directly conform to the design and the analysis.
9. Implementation - Implement the solution, ensuring that it directly addresses the needs and gaps identified. 
10. Evaluate - Evaluate the effectiveness of your solutions and plan to revise your approach as needed. 

Future Plans
I am excited to have earned this important certification, and I plan to use what I have learned in the future. I plan to continue my work in higher education, and I have found that these principles can be effectively applied to my work as program chair of the IDPT program at Franklin University. The principles have helped me to be much more effective in my work. I have also done some consulting work and teaching work with other universities and organizations, and I plan to continue to consult as opportunities arise. I once again express my gratitude for the opportunity to apply for this certification, and I am particularly grateful to the leadership at Franklin University for supporting me in applying for and earning this certification. Franklin has been an excellent employer, and I have grown through the kindness, mentoring, and support I have received at the university.

My 2014 Sabbatical Opportunity

This afternoon I begin a sabbatical with Franklin University. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to improve myself personally and professionally. I am grateful to have been selected by the sabbatical committee and to have the support of the Franklin's leadership.

Related Post: 2014 Sabbatical Report

What I Plan To Do
During the sabbatical, I will complete activities designed to help me advance as a scholar and practitioner in the field of instructional design. My scholarly activities will include the following:

1. Write Scholarly Articles - I plan to write and submit at least 2 scholarly articles for publication. I am not involved in conducting traditional formal research, but I have participated in some really exciting, innovative approaches for designing instruction over the last several years. I'll probably blog more about these experiences as I write.
2. Apply for Certification - I will also apply for the Certified Performance Technologist designation. This certification is experience-based, and I will need to show how my past work has met the standards espoused by the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). It'll likely be a fairly difficult application, but I am excited for the opportunity to focus on it.
3. Visiting Scholarship at CIDI - I will also spend some time as a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Innovative Design and Instruction (CIDI) at Utah State University. Utah State has long been a leader in the effective use of instructional technology, and I am hope that I can contribute in some way to their success, though I am certain that I will benefit the most from the opportunity. My family will come with me, and gratefully we have family that will stay in our home while we are gone. 

In addition to these activities, I have several other things I would like to accomplish

• Revisit my Personal Goals - I believe that effective goal setting is a vital activity for success. I am very goal-oriented, and I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit my goals and set new directions for myself in my life.
• Spend Time With Family - We will be spending time in Utah, and most of our extended family lives that state. I am excited to be with them and will enjoy spending time with them.
• Run a Marathon - I have a life goal to run a marathon, and I plan on training for and completing one this summer. I've begun my training schedule and will continue training for several months.
• Broaden My Knowledge -I am constantly reading, and I am excited to broaden my knowledge in a couple of key areas. I will focus my attention on the topics of positive psychology, leadership, spirituality, and goal-setting. I'll be sure to keep track of the books I am reading here.

Thanks to Franklin University
I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Franklin University has been an outstanding place of employment, and I have learned so much from the people I have worked with over the past four years. I am confident that this sabbatical will benefit me personally and professionally, and I hope that the things I learn and accomplish this summer will benefit Franklin, as well.

I will certainly continue to write more about how things are going for the sabbatical over the coming weeks.

Certified Performance Technologist Workshop

I recently attended the 2-day Certified Performance Technologist Workshop in Indianapolis, Indiana. This workshop is offered through the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) and is designed to help learning and performance improvement professionals prepare to apply for the certification. It's being taught by performance improvement legend Dr. Judy Hales.

Participants at the ISPI CPT Workshop on April 12, 2014

The certification is experience-based, and to apply and individual must have at least 3 years of performance improvement experience. To become certified, an individual must show how they have successfully utilized each of the 10 ISPI standards within three to seven projects. (More information on ISPI's CPT web page).

Me with Dr. Judy Hale, who facilitated the CPT Workshop.

I have identified some projects that I plan to use for my CPT application, and I will submit it this summer. I have been given the opportunity by my employer Franklin University to take a sabbatical this summer, and part of my sabbatical work will be the completion of this application.

The Value
I think the value of the workshop is that it helps the participant to really focus attention on ISPI's 10 Standards. These standards function as the criteria for receiving the CPT, and in the workshop we read about, heard examples of, discussed, and reflected on each of the principles. I also took time to reflect on what projects I would use in my application and how I might present those projects. It was definitely worth the effort, and I feel like I am ready to start the application process.

The Solders' and Sailors' Monument in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, a very impressive monument. I walked past the monument on the way to the conference hotel each morning.