Riding in the Peloton
As an avid cyclist, watching the Tour de France is a welcome sign of summer. Watching riders compete over the course of more than 3,000 kilometers in just three weeks is both humbling and inspiring. The individual efforts seem superhuman, yet at the same time, teamwork is essential. In the middle of the group of riders, called the peloton, a cyclist will benefit from the draft of those in front, expending 30% less effort because of those doing hard work ahead.
Likewise, collaboration is essential for educators. We learn from our colleagues, researchers and thought partners from other schools around the world. At WIDA, we recognize the power of the network of 450 international schools across the globe. Educators contribute to our research studies, support our assessment development and share innovation with other member schools. The good questions posed by teachers help us to define our research agenda. As an organization, we also learn from our collaboration from our partners.
This past month, WIDA collaborated with thought partners Next Frontier Inclusion (NFI) and Common Ground Collaborative (CGC) to ideate and innovate in helping build 21st century schools that serve all learners. Students and teachers benefit when schools integrate programs. In this newsletter, you’ll read about a new WIDA Focus Bulletin describing how international schools have used both International Baccalaureate (IB) and WIDA resources to serve multilingual learners. This fall, we will support educators at conferences in conjunction with EARCOS, Tri-Association, TAISI, the RTI International School Summit and GCC ASCD.
As you enjoy a well-deserved summer break, take a moment to celebrate your colleagues, peer institutions or international organizations that are leading the way. And as you think ahead to where the next school year will take you, we hope to see you at a WIDA Institute, Workshop or Symposium!
Allez, Allez!
Jon Nordmeyer
