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Ford PAS Overview

As educators and administrators, we want all students to succeed in the classroom and the real world. We want to actively engage students in learning so that they can develop core knowledge and skills they can bring to college or the workplace. The Ford PAS (Partnership for Advanced Studies) program and philosophy is designed to make these connections by providing high-quality interdisciplinary learning experiences that challenge students academically. Whether you are new to Ford PAS or have some experience with the program, we invite you to participate in the mini-institute to explore the Ford PAS approach to teaching and learning with educators from your region who share a common commitment to advancing student learning. We welcome and encourage educators, administrators, and teachers from all subject areas to attend.

Take a peek at this video to gain some more insight about the Ford PAS program!

Before I began Ford PAS group projects I thought that I was a follower, was not an especially good problem-solver, and did not have leadership skills. The experience of having to work in a group to solve real-world problems has taught me that I can think through the problems, determine what is needed to solve them, break down the work so each person can make a contribution, and use each person’s ideas to produce workable solutions.

—Ford PAS student (Atlanta)

This mini-institute focuses on Ford PAS Foundations modules:

  • Module 1, From Concept to Consumer: Building a Foundation in Problem Solving
  • Module 2, Media and Messages: Building a Foundation of Communication Skills
  • Module 3, People at Work: Building a Foundation of Research Skills

These modules introduce students to key skills important for academic and workplace sucess. The mini-institute introduces participants to the professional development philosophy of Ford PAS.

Goals for Participants:

  • Examine effective strategies and tools to prepare students for post-secondary education and the workplace
  • Explore techniques to build students’ skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork
  • Explore inquiry- and problem-based approaches to teaching and learning
  • Reflect on your teaching practice and share your classroom experiences
  • Learn strategies for linking classroom learning with real-world applications
  • Gain experience with an academically rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum
  • Examine effective ways of integrating technology into the curriculum
  • Become familiar with the Ford PAS program, and the Foundations modules
  • Become familiar with the skills employers seek in future employees
  • Plan for the implementation of Ford PAS in your community
  • Reflect on our teaching strategies and school culture

Who can I contact to get more specific information about the
Ford PAS Mini-Institute?

FordPAS
Dr. Carol W. Folbre
Texas State Director
Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies
Phone: 210-884-1969
Email: carol.folbre@gmail.com

Texas Ford PAS Support Center
Belkiss Rodriguez
Educator Preparation Program
& Professional Development Coordinator
Phone: 210-485-0804
Email: bbradford-rodrig@mail.accd.edu

Texas Ford PAS Support Center
Anson Green
Coordinator of Work Based
English Solutions
210-485-0259
Email: agreen27@mail.accd.edu

Want to know more?

Visit the FordPAS website at www.fordpas.org. To sign up for Classroom Resources inlcuding an online discussion forum visit www.fordpas.org/resclassroom/default.asp.