Quarter 1 (2025): CTO Toolbox: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Training Effectiveness

This Illuminations course equips Communications Training Officers with valuable tools to enhance their training techniques. Participants will learn how to apply AI-driven insights to personalize training plans, support trainee development and refine their instructional methods. Through this course, they will gain specific skills in using data analysis to refresh routine feedback, resulting in more engaging, impactful and effective learning outcomes.

Quarter 2 (2025): Analyzing Chapter 6 of the CTO Standard

The Communications Training Officer will analyze Chapter 6 of the APCO standard – “CTO professional competence.” This course emphasizes the primary responsibilities of CTOs for developing, maintaining, and enhancing their knowledge and skills. Participants will acquire strategies for developing and maintaining their competencies by creating personalized plans with short-term and long-term goals for continuous CTO development. Participants will also identify ways to seek feedback about their performance and any improvement needs

Quarter 3 (2025): Mastering Objective Reporting: A CTO Guide to the Daily Observation Report

This Illuminations course equips Communications Training Officers with the skills to effectively complete the Daily Observation Report (DOR). Participants will use the Standardized Evaluation Guidelines(SEGs) to ensure objective, fact-based observations and accurate documentation of trainee performance. The course highlights maintaining a positive tone and addressing areas for improvement through remediation. By the end, participants should be prepared to master the DOR process and enhance the impact of their evaluations.

Quarter 4 (2025): Mastering CTO Duties

The Communications Training Officer will analyze section 7.2.3 of the APCO CTO standard – “providing individualized instruction to the trainee.” Diverse teaching methods and instructional techniques to meet the specific trainee needs are emphasized in this course. Participants will create training plans based on agency goals, objectives, and benchmarks for individual learning style preferences. Participants will also evaluate and document trainee performance and recommend supplemental education/training to enhance training effectiveness.