28th August 2023, Kathmandu
A pioneering research endeavor, titled “Network Improvement Communities for School Leaders Towards Equity and Inclusion,” led by the Digital Learning Research Lab at Kathmandu University, is making waves in promoting equity and inclusion within government schools.
This collaborative effort, spearheaded by educational experts and organizations, aims to revolutionize the understanding and practice of equity and inclusion in schools nationwide.
Stakeholders Meeting
Driven by the urgency to address enduring educational inequities, the project seeks to arm school leaders with knowledge, skills, and collaborative networks necessary for driving transformative change.
This ambitious initiative, through a comprehensive online course and community-building activities, envisions a lasting impact on the educational landscape.
The project focused on two districts, Sindhuli and Bardibas, with 35 school leaders from government schools participating in the online course over a six-month period (Jan 15-July 15, 2023).
“Network Improvement Communities” Initiative Fosters Collaborative Learning for Positive Change in Schools
Aim of the Online Course: Empowering School Leaders
The meticulously designed online course lies at the core of the project, equipping school leaders to foster inclusive learning environments. The program delves into the intricacies of equity and inclusion, covering structural biases, cultural competence, and strategies for establishing safe and supportive spaces for students.
Orientation Session with School Leaders in Sindhuli
Dr. Sushil Shrestha, the project lead, emphasizes the initiative’s significance: “Our research project recognizes that school leaders are key change agents. We empower them to lead their institutions toward greater fairness and social justice by equipping them with a broad understanding of equity and inclusion.”
Fostering Collaborative Learning through Network Improvement Communities
The project introduces “Network Improvement Communities” (NIC groups) as a distinctive feature. School leaders who completed the online course were encouraged to join these communities, connecting with peers confronting similar challenges.
These NIC groups, comprising 7 teachers each across 5 groups, provide ongoing support, enabling participants to learn from shared experiences and implement effective practices in their respective schools.
Impact and Future Prospects
With momentum building, participating school leaders are instigating significant changes in their educational approach. Innovative methods are being adopted to curate inclusive curricula, tackle inequalities, and engage students from diverse backgrounds.
The project’s ultimate objective is to establish a nationwide network of school leaders dedicated to enhancing fairness and inclusion. In pursuit of this vision, collaborations with the School of Education and CEHRD of the Ministry of Education were forged to amplify the course’s impact.
This network holds the potential to catalyze policy reforms, curriculum enhancements, and sustainable transformations in educational institutions.
“Network Improvement Communities For School Leaders Towards Equity and Inclusion” – Shaping a Just Educational System
This project emerges as a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable education system. It is reshaping the future of education and leaving an indelible mark on upcoming generations by arming school leaders with the necessary resources and backing.
For more information about the project visit Click Here.
