Creating Communities of Practice

QRTA is helping to build professional networks in Jordan focused on instructional improvement. Established in partnership with TC, each network is comprised of about 20 schools from the same area that are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue about the quality of teaching and learning in their school in a given subject area. QRTA helps stimulate dialogue about instructional practice by coordinating professional development activities, network meetings to reflect on implementation progress, and site visits to participating schools to strengthen teacher professional community and instructional practice. Three networks have already been established in Jordan—a network for English teachers in Amman, a network for science teachers in Ruseifeh and Zarqa, and a third network in mathematics in Salt, Ein al Basha and Madaba. Network composition and activities aim to build nested professional communities at the school, network, and directorate levels to support and, ultimately, to sustain knowledge-sharing at all levels about effective practices and strategies for improving student learning.

Advancing Policy Deliberation and Research

QRTA has partnered with TC and CUMERC to convene policy roundtables for policymakers and education reform leaders. These meetings aim to stimulate discussion on topics of immediate importance to advancing improvements in the quality of teaching and learning in Jordan’s public schools. Topics may include developing assessments for teacher and principal certification, school evaluation and teacher supervision, and instructional strategies supporting particular subject areas. The focus of each roundtable will be determined in collaboration with Ministry officials and will draw upon the experiences of QRTA, current research, and experiences of other programs within Her Majesty’s portfolio of educational improvement initiatives, including Madrasati and the Queen Rania Award.

Additionally, QRTA is committed to supporting research and disseminating information about effective methods for promoting teacher excellence. In partnership with CUMERC and TC, research studies will examine the different school network models in use in Jordan to inform current and future improvement initiatives. QRTA will also document its creation of a school network strategy in Jordan and other QRTA education initiatives.