Future Dates
February 2012 (Half-Term)
Further Information
For further information, contact:
Julie Woodcock, ISSET
Tel: 02920 710295
E-Mail: jwoodcock@isset.org
- Guidance & mentoring from school and LEA leaders
- Inputs from Rice University’s ‘Centre for Excellence and Equity in Education’
- Observation and shadowing in schools in Houston
- Assistance from Houston Independent School District leaders
- Inputs from astronauts and industry leaders
Aims and Scope
The 'NQT Improving Effectiveness' programme supports the attainment of standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status, builds on the strengths identified in the NQT ‘Career Entry Profile’ and supports the fulfilment of objectives and action plans for the first year of teaching.
The training provides supportive mentoring to assist NQT’s with strategies to overcome current difficulties and helps set medium and long-term career goals.
The assistance of astronauts, US industry and educational leaders provides opportunities for inspiration and for reinforcing the value of the role of the teacher and the importance of education.
What Does the Programme Involve?
Without losing any school or teaching time, the programme offers a visit to Houston. Participants complete an observational study in US schools and receive training from Houston Independent School District, Rice University, personnel from Johnson Space Centre and the aerospace industry.
The visit takes place over a week either during the February half term, the Easter break or the October half-term.
The programme is available to NQT teachers of any discipline.
The programme also offers a follow-up workshop, on-line support, participation in an on-line virtual community and the provision of CD and support materials.
Why Houston?
ISSET has been involved in teacher and student education programmes in Houston since 2000.
Houston is a fascinating city within which to carry out the work. It is the fourth largest city in the USA.
It has both inner city schools and suburban schools, including dual language schools.
Houston has many of the problems and concerns of a very large multi-cultural inner city, whilst also having great optimism that these concerns can and are being overcome by inclusive policies and programmes.
Houston also offers the opportunity to take advantage of the inspirational and highly motivating space programme that is based at NASA’s ‘Johnson Space Centre’, the home of Mission Control and astronaut training.
Programme Details
Houston Study Visit
School Observation & School District Input :-
- Behaviour management
- Attendance & punctuality
- School ethos
- Use of assessment information
- Tracking student progress
- Use of ICT
- Wider educational development
- Equal opportunities
- Progression through planning
- Personal responsibility
- Working with ethnic minorities
- Setting high standards
Rice University :-
- The achievement gap between majority & minority ethnic groups
- Focusing on achievement of ethnic minorities
- ‘No Child Left Behind’ programme
- Importance of teams and team building exercise at 'Houston Museum of Natural Science'
Johnson Space Centre and Aerospace Industry :-
- How to inspire students
- The importance of personal goals
- High achievement for all
- Preparing for a world of global partnership and advanced technological communication
Mentoring for :-
- Individual difficulties
- Develop team ethos
- Setting goals
- Comparison of US and UK approaches
- Career Entry Profiles
- Personal objectives & action plans
- Online virtual community and support
