SPI is home to a deep bench of expertise in adult learning systems with master facilitators and nationally certified trainers on staff and experience in prior statewide training systems. Training curricula developed by SPI reflect state-of-the-art evidence-based practice for adult learners in support of health and human services policy, best practice, and system interface.
Training is only one component of an integrated learning system; reinforcement, job aides, portfolio work, communities of practice and training-of-trainers are among the tools SPI utilizes to scaffold learning. The goal is for knowledge to be applied consistently day-to-day, on the job.
Justice, Liberty and Belonging (JLB) Learning Series
The “JLB” Learning Series developed by SPI, in partnership with the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC), was designed as a result of the growing awareness of the evolving needs of families and communities for equitable access to antiracist services and supports. It stands for Justice, Liberty, and Belonging and as such incorporates traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics and skills, including cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, but goes even further.
Justice
“Justice” speaks to fair, impartial, reasonable treatment for everyone along with an effort to remediate situations where that has not occurred. It points to everyone deserving equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.
Liberty
“Liberty” invites a focus on gaining freedom from the impact of trauma, racism, and inequity; it also reciprocally points to accountability with freedom from conscious and unconscious actions that have harmed others and oneself.
Belonging
“Belonging” is both a sense of place and of identity in family, in communities, within organizations, and as one who is served and supported. It is the full expression of basic human dignity in the context of relationship.
Together, SPI and SDRC have created a customized competency-based learning series that is informative, practical, and action-oriented.
The JLB Training
- Reflects the most current thinking and practice within cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. This includes highlighting the importance of using accessible language as the first step when communicating effectively with those served;
- Combines research-based content with participant reflection and dialog in order to effectively explore attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed by staff to effectively serve and support individuals, children and families who are from diverse cultural groups and communities;
- Promotes shared learning and group participation such that knowledge, skills, and competencies are engaged and practiced in a safe learning environment;
- Is highly participatory and interactive as prescribed by adult learning theory;
- Incorporates advances in learning methodology and technology; and
- Prepares participants to leave the training with next steps and how to use what was learned in daily practice (or operations, leadership).