Monday, 28 September 2026 07:05 PM
Company Update
ASHLAND, OR / ACCESS Newswire / September 28, 2026 / The Center for Divorce Education presented new research at the 2026 Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Annual Conference in Seattle, introducing an evidence-based framework to help courts and professionals evaluate the quality and effectiveness of online co-parent education programs.
The presentation, titled "What Makes Parent Education Memorable? Instructional Design Criteria," was delivered by Donald A. Gordon, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director of the Center for Divorce Education, and Michael R. Eubanks, M.Ed., Director of Operations and doctoral student in Learning, Design, and Technology at the University of Wyoming.
As courts increasingly rely on online parent education programs for families experiencing separation and divorce, questions have emerged regarding how these programs should be evaluated. Current approval processes often focus on whether required topics are covered, but may not assess whether programs are designed to promote meaningful learning, skill development, and lasting behavior change.
"Our goal was to provide courts and professionals with a practical framework grounded in educational research," said Dr. Gordon. "Simply presenting information is not enough. Effective programs must help parents learn, practice, and apply skills that improve communication and reduce conflict."
The framework draws upon established instructional design models, including Robert Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction and Merrill's First Principles of Instruction, along with research on adult learning, behavior change, and co-parent education outcomes. The resulting evaluation rubric examines factors such as curriculum design, learner engagement, accountability measures, accessibility, assessment quality, and evidence of program effectiveness.
According to Eubanks, the framework helps address a growing challenge in the field.
"Online parent education programs vary widely in instructional quality," said Eubanks. "Two programs may cover the same topics, yet produce very different learning outcomes. Courts and professionals need tools that help distinguish between simple content exposure and programs that are intentionally designed to build real-world parenting and communication skills."
The presentation emphasized that skills-based learning, active participation, feedback, assessment, and opportunities for real-world application are key components of effective online education. The framework is intended to support courts, mediators, program reviewers, and policymakers in making informed decisions about program approval and selection.
The AFCC Annual Conference brings together judges, attorneys, mediators, mental health professionals, educators, researchers, and family court practitioners from around the world to advance the resolution of family conflict and improve outcomes for children and families.
Resources, presentation materials, and the evaluation framework are available through the Center for Divorce Education.
About the Center for Divorce Education
The Center for Divorce Education develops evidence-based educational programs designed to help parents reduce conflict, improve communication, and support the well-being of children affected by separation and divorce. Its programs are used by courts, attorneys, mediators, mental health professionals, and families throughout the United States and internationally. The organization is recognized for its work in online parent education, instructional design, and skills-based learning approaches that promote meaningful behavior change.
Media Contact:
Michael R. Eubanks, M.Ed.
Director of Operations
Center for Divorce Education
877-874-1365
[email protected]
www.divorce-education.com
SOURCE: Family Works Inc.