Mission Statement

Philosophy & Purpose

Accreditation

Expected Schoolwide
Learning Results

Staff

Enrollment

Assessments

Hours

Dress Expectations

Student Career Center

Support Services Available to Students

Companies Hiring TDC Graduates

Visit TDC (A Standing Invitation)

Mission Statement

Program Philosophy and Purpose

Technology Development Center (TDC) is founded on the belief that knowledge is a key element of life. The more that is known about a subject, the more it can be enjoyed, pursued, accepted or defended. Recognizing that adult learning patterns and needs must be addressed in a sensitive and responsible manner, the training programs have been designed to be comprehensive, supportive and flexible. The staff of Technology Development Center is dedicated to meeting each individual student's vocational needs and to the development of self-worth through education.

The purpose of the Technology Development Center programs is to provide learners with every educational opportunity necessary to develop their potential regardless of age, heritage, handicapping condition, or background.

Technology Development Center Offers:

Designated Vocational Program of Excellence
Open-entry/open-exit, year-round programs
Individualized instruction
Competency-based curriculum
Full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Recognition by America 2000 as one of eleven outstanding adult training programs in the nation
Qualified, credentialed instructors
Low student/teacher ratio
Complete program customization, based on student need

• State-of-the-art computers and equipment
• Latest industry-based software
• Weekly employability workshops
• Optional externships
• Access to free basic academic skills, literacy and English-as-a-Second Language instruction
• GED preparation at no cost
• Monthly progress reports
• Daily attendance reporting
• Student Support and Career Center
• ATB preparation and testing at no cost
• Financial aid assistance
• Job placement assistance
• Professional Certification

Accreditation

Ventura Adult and Continuing Education has been recognized at both the state and federal levels. The school was granted a six-year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2007. In 2002, TDC was selected by the California Department of Education as a Vocational Program of Excellence.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results

1. Students will apply classroom learning to real-life situations
   • by acquiring fundamental skills
   • by integrating academic, vocational, interpersonal and personal development competencies
   • by using technology to accomplish functional tasks
     
     
2. Students will become lifelong learners
   • by seeking continual growth and self-development
   • by developing confidence in their ability to succeed
   • by becoming self-motivated, self-directed and self-disciplined
   • by achieving personal goals
   • by developing positive self-esteem and self-respect
     
     
3. Students will communicate effectively and ethically
   • by expressing themselves orally and in writing
   • by listening and reading for needed information
   • by utilizing communication technology
     
     
4. Students will become productive, contributing members of the global community
   • by demonstrating responsibility to their families and in the workplace
   • by appreciating cultural and individual diversity by being tolerant and respectful of others

Ventura Unified School District

Mary Haffner, President

John Walker, Vice President

Barbara Fitzgerald

Debbie Golden

Velma Lomax

Dr. Trudy Tuttle-Arriaga
Superintendent

Mr. Jeffrey Chancer
Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Rich Morrison
Assistant Superintendent

Mr. Joseph Richards, Jr.
Assistant Superintendent

Technology Development Center

Teresa Johnson
Principal/Director

Carolyn Vang-Walker
Assistant Principal

Kent Donnelly
Vocational Resource Teacher

Kay Miller
Work Transition Instructor

Summer Nicol
Special Projects

Charlene Ferguson
Financial Aid Technician

Casey Christiansen
Billing Services

Vicki Stiffler
Vocational Enrollments

Sue Williams
Assmentment Technician

Instructors

Karl Akkerman
Business Applications Instructor

Hai Dinh
Computer Systems Technology Instructor

Brian Harrison
Computer Systems Technology Instructor

Instructional Support

The purpose of the vocational training programs is to prepare students for the workforce. Proper readiness is a complete package that involves more than just technical training. Readiness includes proper work attitude, academic skills and grooming. For the latter, Ventura Adult and Continuing Education has established minimum expectations in the areas of business dress and grooming for students in training.

The "rule of thumb" followed is that students' appearance should meet the conventions of the business for which they are being trained to enter. While formal business dress is not required, relaxed dress along the lines of the workplace is expected. Beware of being too casual. Making a good impression on externship employers or prospective employers, whether in the classroom or on an interview, is crucial to employability. Clean, well-groomed hair (and beard) and clean, well-chosen clothes can make the difference.

Minimum appropriate business attire:

Inappropriate for class or workplace:

Men:

Women:

• Shorts
• Swimsuits
• Tank tops
• Hats
• Workout clothes
• Thongs

• Tee shirts
• See-through clothing
• Excessive colognes
• Soiled, stained, torn or odorous clothes

• Long pants with belt
• Collared shirt, tucked in
• Business shoes and socks
• Neat, clean hairstyle

• Dress or skirt and blouse
• Pant suit
• Heels or business shoes
• Neat, clean hairstyle

Student Placement Center

All programs at Technology Development Center are oriented toward employment in today's highly competitive job market. The Student Placement Center provides a variety of resources to prepare the student for placement, including videos, reference materials, fax machines, telephones, TTY, computers for resume preparation, and Internet access for job search. Career Development Seminars provide up-to-date job seeking methods, including resume preparation and interviewing techniques. All students are invited to use these resources while attending school and after graduation. The goal is placement in a job that is both personally and financially rewarding.

The Student Placement Center is staffed by Kay Miller, the Work Transition Instructor, and Summer Nicol, Special Projects. They have over 20 years experience as vocational and career counselors, working with high school students as well as adults. Ms. Miller is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, assisting individuals with various disabilities return to gainful employment. She has a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, Counseling and Guidance.

The Placement Center staff is able to provide students with the tools needed for successful placement. These include researching the hidden job market, developing job leads, preparing effective resumes and practicing successful interview techniques.

The Placement Center staff is also active in the business community, developing relationships that lead to externships for students and employment opportunities for graduates. These business relationships have also led to unsolicited calls from employers seeking qualified applicants. Local employers provide externship opportunities to our students, which often leads to the offer of a permanent position.

Career Development Workshops

Learn about the latest trends and techniques in job hunting with the instructor who helps hundreds of people become re-employed each year at TDC. Tune up your resume for maximum effect, gather cover letter tips and tricks, polish your interviewing skills, discuss proper dress and grooming for your field, become more efficient with applications, and learn how to maximize your exposure to the business world.

Support Services Available to Students

Improve Your Job-Seeking Skills!

• Prepare a solid, effective, eye-catching resumé
• Compose outstanding cover letters and gracious thank-you letters
• Select videos to help you prepare for the interview, present a professional image and much more
• "Surf the `Net" to research companies and locate hot job openings
• Check out the "Job Board" for current employment opportunities
• Learn to "Dress for Success"
• View library videos on self-improvement and self-esteem
• Use our wide selection of reference and resource materials
• Participate in job workshops designed to enhance your skills

Improve Your Math, Reading, Spelling and Writing Skills

• Assess your readiness and prepare for the GED using a computerized tutorial
• Develop study techniques and strategies to improve test taking skills
• Invest in your future with a computerized, individualized reading, math, or typing program
• Attend math workshops or specialized instruction
• Earn your high school diploma online

Learn To Use Assistive Technology

• Explore "hands free" computer operation with voice-recognition software
• Use software designed to enhance low vision, build vocabulary, and read scanned text
• Master a one-handed keyboard or foot-operated mouse

Thank You ...

Companies Hiring TDC Graduates!