In October 2021, a partnership combining primary and secondary institutions was initiated as part of the RITHA training, specifically with PPO Rotterdam and Koers VO. These two organisations work side by side in the pursuit of equal opportunities and optimal development opportunities for every child.
This group boasts a unique composition, broadly representing education in the Rotterdam region. In addition to primary and secondary education, it includes special primary education and special secondary education. Teachers and healthcare professionals collaborate to enhance expertise in giftedness and high intelligence. The focus is on aligning with the developmental needs of the target group from a scientific perspective and creating a suitable and continuous educational pathway. Central to this initiative are knowledge development, fostering connections, and exchanging best practices.
Reflection
According to Jeroen Naaktgeboren, driving force from PPO Rotterdam and ECHA Specialist, it is a nice, enthusiastic, active group that is ready to put the experiences from the training into practice. Jeroen indicates that the training is more than reading scientific literature and applying the acquired knowledge in practice. It is precisely the joint reflection and the strengthening of the connection between primary and secondary education - finding each other again - that for him is the added value of this in-company trajectory. According to Jeroen, this can be seen in various initiatives in the field of cooperation between secondary education and special secondary education, the development of peer groups and school-wide talent development.
Blended Education
The blended design of the programme allows participants to engage both in person during multi-day seminars and virtually through the digital learning environment. Online interactions, including asynchronous discussion forums and live webinars, offer participants the flexibility to exchange knowledge and experiences amidst their busy schedules. Participants, well-versed in a comprehensive range of scientific literature, use the discussion forums to explore various theories and, more importantly, their practical implications.
Implementation in Practice
The value of an in-company programme is clearly demonstrated through the substantive discussions that emerge from diverse perspectives, contexts, and practical experiences. This exchange broadens participants' horizons and fosters meaningful learning from one another. The integration of new practical insights with acquired knowledge results in well-developed solutions for practical assignments. By merging scientific knowledge with the passion and expertise of professionals, the programme creates a synergy that can be effectively applied to educational practice, extending its impact beyond the training period.
Tailor-made
The collaboration between RITHA and Edux has resulted in a tailor-made programme in the field of giftedness: depending on the state of affairs in the region, the set-up of the RITHA training can be adjusted. Customization options include the content of the modules, the option to complete the full training, and additional regional meetings. Before, during, and after the training, RITHA, Edux, and the driving forces from the partnership work together to facilitate and support the professionals from the schools participating in the programme. These driving forces are invited to participate in the seminars. The progress of the programme is periodically reviewed and coordinated with them. This allows for an optimal response to the needs of and the unique situation within the relevant partnership. By engaging the driving forces of the in-company programme, who maintain contact with the professionals after the training, the knowledge, skills, and milestones achieved are effectively secured in practice. In short, the development of both professionals and organizations does not stop after completing the training, but is actually strengthened and initiated.
About PPO
The mission of PPO Rotterdam (a collaboration to support appropriate primary education) is to offer all Rotterdam children a suitable place of education, as much as possible in their own neighbourhood. PPO Rotterdam strives to make all forms of education more inclusive and to prevent exclusion so that a suitable place of education is available for all Rotterdam children. PPO Rotterdam facilitates schools to realise this.
RITHA Practitioner
In cooperation with EDUX employees of PPO Rotterdam attended Block 1: Stimulating, Supporting, and Guiding Talent (12 weeks) of Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA).