To improve the language skills and language development of children and young people in Almere, the city has started a unique approach. Urban Language Approach Almere is committed to this language development together with professionals. Under the guidance of Utrecht University together with Hogeschool Windesheim Almere, learning networks will be used over the next four years.
A learning network consists of professionals who work on the language skills of children and young people in their daily practice. Together they formulate a concrete language ambition with a measurable and noticeable language goal. This is done in collaboration with, among others, the Municipality of Almere, the New Library and the Schoor. The professionals involved are affiliated with (secondary) schools of ASG, Prisma and SKO, among others. Aeres and various shelters are also involved.
There are currently ten learning networks in Almere, says Lourens van der Leij of Leven Lang Ontwikkeling. For example, the MBO College Almere recently started a learning network among Dutch teachers from various courses.
For at least one year, they jointly develop an approach, gain experience and make available the knowledge acquired, for example in the form of workshops, teaching letters, observation cards and collegial consultations.
