Report of the MCAA Education Committee Words: Andy SneedLive Webinar SeriesMCAA’s Live Webinar Series was a major success in 2011. Over thirty courses were offered on topics ranging from building information modeling and quality assurance to masonry wall bracing and water resistance. New topics and courses are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012. New ProgramsThe Education Committee has been tasked with the goal of creating new education programs for mason contractors. The Committee will focus on courses for employers taught by attorneys, CPAs and insurance executives; classes to sharpen and increase skills of project managers and estimators; and new courses taught by fellow mason contractors. The Committee also plans to create round table discussion groups with general contractors, construction managers, design-build contractors, architects, and engineers. Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry WallsThe MCAA plans to release an updated version of the Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls Under Construction at the beginning of 2012. The wall bracing standard has been updated with the current code cycle. Additionally, the Masonry Wall Bracing seminar will be updated to utilize the new standard and highlight the significant changes. Review of MQIThe Masonry Quality Institute will be reviewed and revamped by the Education Committee. The program will be updated to include specific examples about masonry and focus more on quality masonry. Additional safety information will also be included. The Year AheadThe Education Committee will continue to provide top quality education programs to mason contractors and work to develop new courses for the masonry industry.