District Takes First Prize in Adult Education Contest

The Great Neck Public Schools' Adult Program has been awarded a first prize for its current fall catalog in the 1997 Learning Resources Network (LERN) "Information That Works" Contest. The prestigious contest is international in scope and attracts many entries.

The Fall Adult Program Catalog was completely revamped under the direction of Ronna Telsey, director of public information and adult education. Jason Martin, public information aide, was responsible for its design and layout.

Several examples of effective changes to the catalog, according to Ms. Telsey, are: a slogan, "_where learning has no end," added to the front cover; a welcome from the director added to the inside front cover; use of photos and graphics; return to a double-column format; and testimonials from adult program participants.

Ms. Telsey further explained, "Based on comparative data taken from adult program reports of Oct. 1997 and 1996, we know our new approach has been effective. Our rate of cancellation of courses because of underenrollment has been reduced. Enrollment and revenues have increased. We have had an extremely favorable response to the catalog's new look, with a significant increase in requests for copies."

Ms. Telsey stated emphatically that a successful publication is only as effective as its support staff. The Adult Program Catalog's editorial staff for fall includes Lucy Calleo, Irena Kellams, Marilyn Marcellino, Jason Martin, Helene Schachter, and Jessica Vega.

The First Prize Award will be accepted by Mr. Martin at LERN's Annual Conference, in December, where he will be attending sessions on computer software for adult-education registration and scheduling. The Great Neck Adult Program enrolls upwards of 15,000 registrants each year in more than a thousand enrichment courses, basic education courses, and courses for senior citizens.

LERN is the leading organization for adult educators worldwide. It is based in Manhattan, Kansas.