Continuing Education for Women. Planning Delphi. Final Report.

As part of a 2-year study to plan, develop, and offer relevant continuing education programs for women in Pensacola, a Delphi study was conducted to determine the educational needs and priorities of different types of women living in Pensacola. The Delphi method was selected because it is considered an effective way of eliciting the opinions of a variety of people free of group dynamics, because it has been shown to produce a superior amount and quality of information relative to the resources and time expended, and because it seemed an innovative way to develop a community of women who might in the future work together on women's programs in Pensacola. Four iterative questionnaires were developed and distributed over a 7-month period. A respondent panel of 56 women reviewed and ranked objectives and resources available (resources we have) and resources not available (resources we need) required to achieve the objectives. The respondents also recommended, reviewed, and voted on specific program suggestions that could be developed during the second year of the project. The study achieved its primary aim: To offer relevant program suggestions for the Continuing Education for Women Program in Pensacola. The report provides an overview of the Delphi technique, summary of the methods and questionnaires, and data summary. Appendix 1 lists available and needed resources and recommended programs under each of 10 objectives: Day care facilities available as needed, increased participation of women in politics, community awareness programs for women, a women's center, creation of part-time job opportunities for women, programs to increase women's awareness of Federal and State legislation which protect their interests and rights, compilation of a community and regional directory of existing opportunities and resources, career awareness throughout the elementary and secondary schools, enforcement of equitable credit regulations, and public school education in parenting. Second-year program plans are outlined in child care, health, politics, and employment. (JT)