JIS Topics hits the big time!

Thanks so much to Edspresso, a fantastic edu-blog from the States, which featured a story about JIS Topics in its commentary section this week. How cool is that?

Edited by Ryan Boots at the Alliance for School Choice, Edspresso tackles some of the more contentious issues in education today, like school vouchers for families in under-performing US school districts and charter schools to compete with public schools. It's good stuff -- especially the site's debate section, which features running debates on hot topics by some of the greatest minds in education today. Definitely worth a look!

Seeking out diversity in parental involvement

Couldn't resist plugging this article on a groundbreaking program in California that has resonance for any school with a diverse community. Julie Feldmeier, writing for the Washington Post, explores the International Parent Leadership Program being implemented in the Howard County school district.

The program's goal: "to encourage immigrant parents to assume leadership roles in their schools and at the district level."

Interestingly, the Howard school district isn't so different than JIS -- students hail from 85 countries, Asians make up 12 percent, Hispanics 4 percent, and the district's schools have a reputation for excellence. And like JIS, they've recognized that cultural differences can affect how parents see their roles within the school.

This program aims to bring parents from those different cultures to the table by providing training in leadership structure, policy making, and curriculum. The hope is that, with the training and information, parents from other countries will feel more comfortable and confident with how their children's school works -- and they'll want to play a role in the decision making.

What a great idea!

As the school year winds down....

Every morning this week I've been greeted by the excited voice of my 4th grader exclaiming "Only [fill in the blank] more days of school!" He's apoplectic with joy -- and for good reason. Another year of education under the proverbial belt!

As the school year wraps up, I'm reminded of the bittersweet quality these last few days embody. There's that unadulterated excitement in anticipation of a hard-earned break as students revel in yearbooks, class parties, graduations and "moving-on" ceremonies.

But then there are the goodbyes, with friends leaving Indonesia and beloved teachers moving on. Our transient community is the source of both great joy in its diversity and friendships, and great sorrows when it comes time to part ways. The most we can hope is that we're better people for knowing each other.

So as the curtain falls on this school year, we at JIS Topics wish you and your loved ones restful breaks, rejuvenating times with family and friends, and safe travels. And to those in our community who are moving away from Jakarta, Selamat Jalan.

Singapore teachers form learning communities

When I think of learning communities, usually an image of young students and their wise teachers pops into my head -- something like the tv shows Room 222 or Welcome Back, Kotter. But learning communities also can consist entirely of adults who want to become smarter together, as "life-long learners." Educators in Singapore are embracing that concept, actively nurturing learning communities in an effort to support and expand their expertise as teachers.

According to Channel NewsAsia, "There are some 1,000 learning communities in [Singapore] schools today, up from just 8 in 1998. These are informal groups of teachers who gather to exchange ideas on how to improve themselves." This is movement supported by the nation's Ministry of Education, which is hosting its 3rd annual Teachers' Conference from May 31 to June 2.

Speaking at the opening session of the conference, Singapore's Education Minister Tharman Sanmugaratnam highlighted the concept of teacher Learning Circles, noting that Learning Circles provide teachers with "a safe and reassuring environment to engage in open, reflective dialogue and inquiry into their concerns about teaching and learning. He went on to say that:

Learning Circles have the added benefit of being ground-up and organic, not top-down. It brings flexibility. There can be as many Learning Circles as there are interested and willing groups of practitioners. Groups can form, close down or re-form, as issues of interest change and as problems are solved and new opportunities identified. And extensive use of Learning Circles gives teachers the sense of autonomy - to go ahead and improve practices and try out new things.

Teachers teaching -- and learning from -- teachers. That's cool, and I know it's happening at the Jakarta International School. Does the concept have further applications, perhaps with parents?