ACADEMIC STANDARDS: WHAT WE EXPECT OF OUR BNC TEACHING PROGRAMS ABLA 2010 Cali - Colombia

1.DEFINITION OF STANDARDS 2.WHY EXPLORE STANDARDS IN EDUCATION AT BNCs? 3.OVERALL BNC CONTEXT 4.BNCs’ STRENGTHS 5.BNCs’ COMMON GROUND 6.HOW ARE STANDARDS USEFUL FOR BNCs 7.WHERE WE STAND NOW 8.REVIEWING THE DRAFT 9.SUGGESTED ACTION

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY STANDARDS?

DEFINITION BY TESOL : "Standards can be defined as statements that describe the level of attainment, excellence, or requirement that is widely accepted or desired behavior or practice. Within the education context, we may have standards for a variety of audiences or functions, including standards for students, teachers, and programs."

WHY EXPLORE STANDARDS IN EDUCATION?

Santa Cruz ABLA 2008: Added Value Regional Network Competitiveness in our Market BNCs Synergies

BNCs ACADEMIC STANDARDS

OVERALL BNC CONTEXT GOVERNMENT POLICIES SOCIAL CHANGES TECHNOLOGY INCREASED COMPETITION GLOBAL EVENTS

BNCs COMMON GROUND o Mission and core business o Physical and financial resources and limitations o Population of students: - language background - L1 literacy - cultural background - motivational factors -work demands

BNC STANDARDS: KEY CHARACTERISTICS BNC specific Broad enough Improvement of the quality of education Keep up with the times Criticism of standards: - One size fits all - Reductionist approach - Penalty oriented emphasis Potential benefits of standards: - Common point of reference - Hold all students/teachers to common expectations - Teaching standards movement spreading all over the world.

How are Standards Useful for BNCs? A self-review instrument. Have a third party do the assessment.

Teaching Programs Teachers Students GUIDELINES DRAFT

Teaching Programs 1.Program Structure, Administration, and Planning 2.Curriculum and Instructional Materials 3.Instruction 4.Learner Recruitment, Retention and Transition 5.Assessment and Learner Gains 6.Professional Development and Staff Evaluation

Teachers 1.Planning 2.Instructing 3.Assessing 4.Identity and Context 5.Language Proficiency 6.Learning 7.Commitment and Professionalism

Students Common European Framework LEVELGUIDED HOURS BASIC A A INDEPENDENT B1350 – 400 B2500 – 600 PROFICIENT C1700 – 800 C

0123NA Program Structure, Administration, and Planning 2%4%42%51%1% Curriculum and Instructional Material 7% 36%50%0% Instruction 0%4%32%64%0% ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR BINATIONAL CENTERS 0Does not know if it applies 1May be applicable after some adjustments 2Partially applicable 3Completely applicable NANot applicable in a BNC setting

WORKING WITH THE DRAFT... 1.Are these standards applicable/measurable in your BNC context? 2.Are there any other standards that would be of use in your BNC which are not included on this draft?

Suggested Action 1.Revise/Edit guidelines draft. 2.Send comments to us by Sept. 30 th, SC will include BNCs’ feedback. 4.SC will share draft with RELOs and academic specialists. 5.SC will post final draft on ABLAonline by Nov. 30 th, Standards will be available for participating BNCs. 7.Please inform SC about your kickoff dates. 8.SC will contact you for periodical follow-up.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Vivian Morghen ICANA – Buenos Aires, Argentina Julio Prin CVA del Centro – Caracas, Venezuela