PrintED to Undergo Major Changes
RESTON, VA—July 31, 2006—The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF®) has launched a major effort to streamline the accreditation and reaccreditation processes for PrintED and update the industry competencies that form the basis of instruction in PrintED programs.
GAERF Chairman Randolph W. Camp, CEO of Walton Media Services in Monroe, Georgia, says the goal of the initiative is “to maintain the high standards on which PrintED’s reputation is based, while simplifying our processes and reducing the workload imposed on instructors who already have substantial demands on their time.”
Camp noted that more than half the “paperwork” involved in accreditation has been obliterated. The condensed method dispenses with a significant amount of documentation without compromising the credibility of the program.
In addition to reducing the workload associated with accreditation, GAERF is in the process of completely updating and revising its competencies, the basic tasks and knowledge items PrintED instructors must teach to their students. The amended competencies will be published and distributed in fall 2006. This measure ensures that PrintED will continue to maintain quality instruction that is aligned with industry standards, providing the knowledge and skill sets that will prepare students for entry into the workforce or for pursuit of higher education. By providing a career pathway for graphic communications students, PrintED helps to create a seamless connection to postsecondary learning and the world of work.
Under the new system, institutions will still be required to become accredited in Introduction to Graphic Communications, but the competencies in this area will be totally theory-based thereby eliminating the need for schools to own costly offset presses and other related equipment. Institutions will now be provided with the opportunity to concentrate their efforts on hands-on training in a totally digital printing environment.
About GAERF
The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation was created by the National Association for Printing Leadership, NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing, and Converting Technologies and the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation in 1983. These three national associations jointly own the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC®). GAERF was created to channel a portion of the revenues earned by GASC-managed shows into projects supporting a strong future for the industry.
For additional information about the Foundation and its programs, visit the GAERF web site at www.gaerf.org or call toll-free at (866) 381-9839.
