Leading the way in school and recreational activities in Reykjavík
About 80 people passionate about education in Reykjavík will gather at City Hall on Monday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. to discuss how to ensure the city’s school and recreational activities rank among the best.
Participants will include school administrators and staff from the city’s preschools and primary schools, recreation staff, parent and student representatives, as well as representatives from the Icelandic Teachers’ Union and Home and School - the National Association of Parents. Elected representatives on Reykjavík City Council who serve on the Preschool and Day Care Council and the School and Recreation Council will also participate in the meeting, organized by the Department of Education and Youth.
Boosting achievement and data use among discussion topics
The meeting will focus primarily on small-group table discussions covering a range of educational topics. Topics include improving achievement in literacy, mathematics and sciences; Icelandic as a second language; early intervention and support; professional development; the work environment; the quality of school and recreational activities and professional collaboration; collaboration between homes and schools; and data use.
“Education is the foundation of everything in society, so it is vital to speak directly with those who teach in our preschools and primary schools, those who work in recreational activities, and parents. We want to raise our children’s academic achievement and make our schools sought-after workplaces. This is an ambitious goal that we, as elected officials, cannot achieve alone. That is why meaningful dialogue with this group lays a strong foundation for advancing education in Reykjavík,” says Björg Magnúsdóttir, president of City Council, who organized the meeting in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth.
A major push to advance education in Reykjavík
On Sept. 17, the City Executive Council approved two action proposals aimed at launching a major initiative to advance education in Reykjavík. One proposal directs the Department of Education and Youth to develop and submit plans to improve academic achievement in reading comprehension, mathematics and scientific literacy. The other focuses on the meeting and an open, direct dialogue with teachers and staff in preschools and primary schools about advancing education in the city.
A summary and action plan will be prepared following the meeting.
