New Gero-Ed Center Curricular Opportunities Coming Soon

With its recent five-year renewal grant from the Hartford Foundation, the CSWE Gero-Ed Center will be launching several new initiatives, which we highlight here. Several of these programs will have informational sessions at APM, and we encourage you to join us in San Francisco for more details on how you can become involved.

Curriculum Development Institute Program (Cycle 2 CDI)
The Cycle 2 Curriculum Development Institute Program (CDI) will start in 2008 with a new blended learning format (a combination of face-to-face training and eLearning). The CDI Program is an opportunity for approximately 55 funded BSW, MSW or joint BSW/MSW programs to work together in infusing aging throughout their curriculum. An informational session will be held at APM, and the RFP will be released early this fall.

BSW Experiential Learning Opportunities Program
Approximately 20 BSW programs will be funded to develop innovative experiential student learning experiences to recruit students into gerontological social work early in their academic careers. An informational session will be held at APM, and the RFP will be released early in 2008.

Expanded eLearning Courses
Four more eLearning courses will be offered to expand on our eLearning initiative that began with our first course A Planned Change Model. Course topics will include: implementing specialized aging content; one of the three specialty areas of the MAC Project (mental health, substance use, or health); strategies to prepare culturally and gerontologically-competent social workers; and cross-generational approaches in child welfare courses.

Specialized Gero Content Program
Our curriculum infusion approach in foundation courses has been so successful that many faculty have asked how to expand into specialized gerontology courses. With the new Specialized Program, beginning in 2009, approximately 35 BSW and MSW programs will receive funding and curricular resources to develop specialized gerontological content. More information will be available in late 2008.

We invite you to attend the informational sessions at APM in San Francisco on the Cycle 2 CDI Program and the new BSW Experiential Learning Opportunities Program (see tote bag insert for times and rooms). As always, continue to check www.Gero-EdCenter.org for more information on all Gero-Ed Center programs.