Now is the time to shape the future of International Education in Washington state. How would you answer these questions now, and how would you like to answer them in ten years? Send your responses to action@internationaledwa.org.
 

Curricula and Standards

• How clear and specific are our state learning standards (Essential Academic Learning Requirements) in history/social studies/geography/economics; math and science; languages and literature; and arts with respect to Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and international studies?
• How many schools in our state offer nationally recognized courses with international content, such as the AP in World History, European History, Comparative Politics or Human Geography, or the International Baccalaureate?
• Is students’ knowledge of other world regions and cultures assessed in our state testing program?

World Languages

• What are our state’s goals in the teaching of world languages? What should they be? Does our state have a plan to develop an effective K-16 curriculum in major world languages, including non-European ones?
• Do all students have the opportunity to learn a second language? What proportion of students takes a world language in school? How many complete a four-year sequence and/or attain proficiency?
• Are there programs for “heritage” language speakers that could be built upon, or technology-assisted programs that could be utilized?

Teacher Preparation and Professional Development

• Do state licensing regulations require teachers, especially teachers of social studies or history, to demonstrate knowledge of at least one other major world region or culture?
• Could state professional development resources—teacher networks, conferences, credit arrangement, funding, on-line courses and resources—do more to encourage teachers to improve their knowledge of Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Middle East?
• Does our state provide opportunities for school and district leaders to improve their international knowledge and knowledge of international programs for schools?

International Exchange Programs: Real and Virtual

• How many schools in our state have an ongoing partnership with a school in another region of the world (e.g., through sister cities or technology)?
• Does our state offer opportunities for teachers and students to study abroad or visit their peers in other countries?
• How can our state technology program scale up the number and quality of school-to-school linkages?

Integrating International Programs into School Reform

• Are there state- or district-sponsored “international schools” that have integrated strong international content across the curriculum?
• How many schools in our state have used the International Baccalaureate program or internationally-oriented AP courses? In what ways can their experience with those programs be applied to other schools?
• In what ways can existing student programs be expanded and offered to a broader population of students so that no child is left behind?

Involving Business and the Community

• How might local businesses, higher education institutions or cultural organizations support this work?

Questions adapted with permission from the States Institute on International Education in the Schools Report Nov 20-22, 2002.

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Originally published in Preparing Students for Today's Interconnected World (PDF), a policy piece presented at the 2003 P-20 International Education Summit at the University of Washington.

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