These are exciting times at ORT Israel! The READY ISRAEL initiative, in collaboration with the European Union, is reaching its culmination. This groundbreaking project has implemented innovative pedagogical models across various schools, revolutionizing teaching and learning. The initiative is named after the Reference model for Educators’ Activities and Development in 21 centurY (READY), reflecting its mission to advance education through creativity, professional development, and cutting-edge methodologies.
A Vision Realized: The “Creating New Learning” Project
The “Creating New Learning” project, spearheaded by the European Agency for Technological Education (ETF), saw a unique partnership between the Israeli education networks ORT and Amal and the ETF. Together, they launched an experimental pilot in Israel, led by ORT’s R&D and Training administration. This pilot aimed to implement the READY model, offering a fresh approach to education.
Innovating Education: The READY Model
The pilot brought together teachers who embarked on a professional development journey, experimenting with innovative teaching methodologies. These educators developed creative and forward-thinking pedagogical models, continuously refining them with input from their students, who played an active role as co-designers in this process. The pilot included both formative and summative evaluations, blending insights from research literature with real-world implementation in schools.
The Six Pillars of READY
The READY ecosystem is built on six core areas:
- Learner-Oriented Approach
- Adaptability and Initiative
- Inclusivity
- Cooperation and Involvement
- Lifelong Learning
- Digital Technologies
These pillars encapsulate the essential qualities needed by educational leaders. Teachers began by studying the model’s structure and then tailored it to align with the unique goals, needs, and characteristics of the Israeli education system.
Diverse and Dynamic Models
Several ORT schools participated in this transformative project, each developing unique models. For instance, one school created a model where students became foreign language teachers, while another designed a language learning program tailored for new immigrants in urban settings.
Commitment to Innovation
At ORT, we are dedicated to fostering innovation in education, aligning with the ever-evolving technological landscape. The READY initiative exemplifies our commitment to advancing learning and pedagogy, ensuring our educators and students are equipped for the future.