Project Milestone

The Learning Systems Institute’s Center for National Security Training and Research was given the task in 2006 to develop a system of performance-based security training for the seaport industry. Since then, we’ve identified relevant topics and written performance objectives. We met with industry representatives in October 2006 to match objectives to target audiences. We crosswalked objectives to the MARAD Model Courses. In August 2007, we asked industry representatives what content should be emphasized based on its impact on security. We’ve worked with subject matter experts who checked our facts and identified areas for improvement. The project will reach a major milestone later this month with the start of pilot testing. This signals a gradual shift from design and development to implementation and evaluation.

The first phase of pilot testing is a formative evaluation of face-to-face training. Trainers will deliver each course to a group of 6-12 port employees, and instructional designers will make changes to the courses based on feedback from trainers and trainees. The Security Guard, Security Guard Supervisor, and First Responder courses will be piloted at Port Canaveral from February 25 to March 7. The Law Enforcement Officer, Law Enforcement Supervisor, and Port Employee courses will be piloted at the Port of Charleston from March 10 to March 21.

In the second phase of pilot testing, trainers will deliver each course a second time to a larger audience. Representatives of DHS will observe this second round of workshops and suggest further revisions. The entire process will last through the summer with all courses being approved by late August 2008. Between these two phases of pilot testing, we’ll continue to work on the Facility Security Officer and Port and Facility Management courses. These two courses will piloted on-line and reviewed by DHS in mid-summer and approved in late August 2008.

We could not have made it this far without collaboration with our industry partners, the guidance of the US Coast Guard and MARAD, and the leadership of Mr. Barry Bratburd at DHS. Our goal from the start has been to create a curriculum that supports on-the-job performance and causes a real and measurable improvement in seaport security. The prospect of making a meaningful impact motivates us all to do excellent work. We appreciate your continuous support, all the stories you’ve shared with us, and access to your expertise and your work lives

Is Your Brain on Cruise Control?

I wonder how many times security guards told us, “Our job is to be alert and report anything suspicious.“ All port employees and visitors should remain alert for anything out of the ordinary, but that’s more than just good advice when it comes to security guards and law enforcement officers. It’s a requirement. The importance of staying alert was easy for us to recognize in our initial interviews. However, deciding how to teach that wasn’t immediately clear. Is alertness an attitude? Is it an ability only some people possess? Or is it a job task that anybody can learn and improve through deliberate practice?

CNSTAR instructional designer, Lydia Riedell, and FSU PhD student, Christine Sanchez, answer those questions in the Situation Awareness module.