As a result of dialogue between CIDA and the UN Protectorate, Ministerial approval was obtained to fund an education project in Kosovo and the Kosovo Educator Development Project (KEDP) was initiated in 2001 as the first component of what was to become EDP.
During the first three years of implementation, KEDP made significant progress on a number of fronts - including building capacity for policy development related to pre- and in-service educator development; introducing professional development for teachers and education administrators using a train-the-trainer approach and reaching over 4,000 educators including members from all ethnic groups; establishing a united Faculty of Education at the University of Pristina - one of only two in the Balkans - where programs for pre-primary, primary, and lower secondary teachers were introduced in three languages; and, introducing social development as a component of educational change including gender equality, minority participation, and youth participation. In 2003, CIDA granted a three-year extension to KEDP to continue programming into 2007.
Education Reform Context
The context for educator development has changed considerably since KEDP began operations in 2001 - including some key changes that are attributable to KEDP's work. Following the temporary administration of the education sector through the UNMIK, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) was established in 2002. As a new institution MEST initially faced numerous challenges. With KEDP support, the ministry has developed solid capacities for managing and administrating the education system, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development.
With the establishment of a formal Faculty of Education at the University of Pristina that was supported by KEDP, the pre-service landscape in Kosovo (i.e. the preparation of new teachers) has also shifted to a model more consistent with European standards.
KEDP Programming
KEDP's major components are:
1. Developing a conducive enabling environment for Kosovar educators. This includes a variety of initiatives and targeted support, such as:
The Senior Educator Development Program (SLDP) - a comprehensive course for senior and mid level leaders from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) and other education institutions in Kosovo
Support for MEST in developing and implementing a systematic approach to accreditation of in-service training for educator
Support MEST in taking on responsibilities related to donor coordination
Establishment of the Teacher Training Review Board (TTRB), an advisory body to the ministry of education, that develops and suggests policies and regulations related to standards in teacher education and education practices
2. Training for teachers and other educators currently working in schools. Key components in this area are:
Training of teachers from all ethnic communities in "Learner Centred Instruction" (LCI), a program providing an introduction to outcome oriented, active learning approaches
Training on leadership skills for school administrators
Training of local trainers in LCI, leadership, and gender in education, and ongoing support and coaching for these trainers to deliver courses, and to constantly improve training programs
Support the establishment of a Kosovo wide network of school administrators
Support the development and publication of locally developed teaching materials
3. Developing a Faculty of Education to support teacher training, including:
Support for the establishment of the new Faculty of education, that is replacing the former fragmented structure of teacher pre-service training
Support for program and course development, management, professional development of faculty staff; and,
Support for student learning and the development and implementation of a practice-teaching and mentoring program for new student teachers
