Janice Mak participates on UN sponsored project

Janice Mak, a science curriculum specialist at PVSchools, is participating in a UN sponsored project that involves supporting the country of Turkey as they shift to a new national curriculum.

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) provides practical technical support addressing critical areas that impact provision and delivery of equitable quality education for all within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“It is an honor to be invited to be a part of this global collaborative work. Our children are our future and the International Bureau of Education (IBE), a UNESCO institute, is a global center of excellence in curriculum and related matters. I look forward to supporting the new shared global understanding of curriculum issues around STEM education,” said Mrs. Mak.

The goal of a national curriculum is to translate Turkey’s vision of education into an actionable framework for instruction and assessment.

Mrs. Mak will join a team of international experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including Dr. Marope, Director of IBE; Louise Hayward, Ph.D.; Harri Ketamo, Ph.D.; Jennifer Childress Self, Ph.D.; and Joseph Merlino.

According to the STEM Education Report published by the Ministry of National Education – Turkey 2016, the main goals of the education system are to make the Turkish nation “a constructive, creative, and outstanding member of the modern civilizations, as well as to enhance the prosperity and welfare of the nation, support and accelerate social and cultural development. Due to the necessities of the era we are in, and technological developments, the need for students who can think, inquire, make research and produce new inventions increases day by day.”

“Paradise Valley Unified School District has equipped me to think creatively, plan collaboratively, and innovate by doing. I look forward to bringing a bit of ‘paradise’ to Turkey with me,” said Mrs. Mak.

The team will rotate over a two week period in Istanbul and will collaborate to realize Turkey’s vision of a world-class education where students are thoroughly prepared for success in the future in coordination with the Minister of National Education and Chair of the Education Committee of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO.

The focus of this UN sponsored project is to provide an innovative, and research-based way to translate Turkey’s vision of education into transformational STEM instruction and classroom assessment.