Meeting in Prague

In early November, participants in the Facilitating Curricular Reform through Strengthening Curriculum Development and Writing Skills of Teachers project got together in Prague to discuss the interim results of the project implementation, share the acquired experience, and define the plans for the immediate future. Representatives of the Czech Republic, Latvia, Russia, and Slovenia presented their curriculums and other materials so that all those present try to evaluate whether the ideas and the national projects developed a year ago in the High Tatras in Slovakia, are being successfully implemented. Lots of events have taken place in each of the countries since the project was launched and their first results may become important instruments for other member organizations. Such was the opinion of all in-country representatives and the international expects of the project, Kurt Meredith, Jeannie Steele, and George Hunt. Now these results need to be compiled into a guidebook with practical recommendations. The structure of the possible guidebook was discussed and adopted, the main content components and the deadlines for its publication were defined. The participants have decided to finalize their work on the guidebook by May 2007.

The experience of this innovative project will, undoubtedly, be claimed not only in the countries were the Consortium member organizations are active, but also in other countries that are on the way of education reform involving the revision of the seemingly sacred elements of the learning process, such as curricular and planning. Project participants are ready to share the experience they have already accumulated, demonstrate the classroom results, offer consultative support to all state-run organizations and NGOs, educational authorities and schools interested in such project. The project module that has been developed can be adapted for different countries with varying educational systems and for all those interested in the big-scale international collaboration aimed at the challenging practical goal of successful school reform.

View photos taken at the meeting