quote:

Why does the field of training.... (including the ASTD organization), even encourage people to "transition" into the training field?

Just realized the answer - MONEY

"I need something that will help the other people on my team come up to speed quickly and consistently for the actual deliverables of instructional design (i.e. when to use interactivy, when to use a presentation, when to just send an email, when to do in-person). Make sense?"

I have to wonder, rhetorically - are there any other positions at your company that are filled by people who did not have appropriate experience on their resumes? I also don't understand why anyone in our position would help to perpetuate the entirely incorrect assumption that ours is a job that anybody can do if given a "matrix" or "template" or some other nonsense. This ire is not directed at you, personally, but the situation doesn't help quell anything either.

What you are suggesting creates more problems -- the first of which is the perpetuation of the incorrect assumption that there's some magic matrix that will "get them up to speed." There is no such thing. This field, like any other, takes learning, research, creativity, critical thinking, and practice, practice, practice.

If they lack the knowledge and experience, they need appropriate training and practice and support, not a magic matrix. (or even better - your company needs to hire people who are qualified to do the job)