Dear WIS Community,
The International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) plays a crucial role in conducting school evaluation visits for quality assurance and growth in IB World Schools. These visits are an integral part of the IB's commitment to maintaining high educational standards and continuous improvement. The use of external evaluators who are not affiliated with the school being evaluated ensures an objective and unbiased assessment of the school's implementation of the IB programs. This external perspective helps in identifying areas for improvement that may be overlooked by school staff who are deeply involved in day-to-day operations.
Currently, I am on a school evaluation visit as IBEN member, a role that offers significant benefits for school leaders like myself, as well as our wonderful school community. Why, you might ask, is being a school visitor beneficial for school leaders? The answer lies in the opportunity it provides to bring back valuable ideas and perspectives for our own school, learn about the latest educational practices, and take a closer look at evaluating schools using a set of standards. This process is not an isolated endeavour; it happens in collaboration with other school leaders, making it a great opportunity for shared growth.
One of the key advantages of this role is that leaders assume the role of learners. It challenges us to step into the shoes of the educators and students in the schools we visit, and to look at the systems and standards being applied in those environments. We gain a deep understanding of what works and what needs improvement, and this knowledge can be invaluable when we return to our own school.
The collaboration aspect is equally significant. In the educational world, working with other school leaders is a fantastic way to share best practices, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. We form relationships and networks that extend beyond the boundaries of our school and community. This collaboration is not only enriching but also vital in our ever-evolving field of education.
WIS had an evaluation visit in April/May for the PYP and DP last year. It is enlightening to now be on the other side of the process, wearing the evaluator's hat. Having been through the evaluation as a school, I understand the importance of this process in driving improvement and growth. It is exciting to contribute to the development of other schools and to bring back fresh ideas to our own.
As I progress through this evaluation visit, I carry your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations with me. It is my commitment to ensure that the experience and knowledge gained during this visit serve to make our school an even better place for your children and I look forward to using the insights and knowledge gained during this process to provide the best possible education for everyone at WIS!
Warm regards,
Marcelle van Leenen
Primary School Principal
What is the IB Educator Network (IBEN)? The IB Educator Network consists of a global community of experienced IB educators, including teachers, coordinators, examiners, and administrators. Members of this network are selected based on their expertise, experience, and in-depth knowledge of the IB programs. Educators who participate in school evaluation visits undergo rigorous training and certification processes. This training equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively evaluate schools against the IB's standards and expectations. The IB Educator Network helps build a global community of educators who are dedicated to the principles and values of the IB. Through evaluation visits, they establish connections with educators from different parts of the world, fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and the sharing of ideas. |
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