Transcript International Education: Incorporating an Intercultural

International Education
Incorporating an Intercultural Perspective into the
High School Curriculum
YOUTH LEAD PROJECT CITIZEN
Centennial High School
Rebecca Kahler, Nicole Clark, Lydia Chen,
Matthew Cameron
Boise High School
Hannah Schwarz, Kevin Russell
Problem
 Despite increasing globalization and interconnectivity of
cultures, high school students still lack international
understanding.
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Global ignorance is a threat to national security.
American involvement in international business necessitates cultural
awareness.
A large refugee and immigrant population exists in Boise (roughly
5,500 have immigrated in the last ten years).
 Students graduating from the Meridian and Boise School
Districts should have an understanding of citizenship, global
issues, and community activism.
 The Meridian School District, in the “Enduring Understandings
with State Standards,” has recognized this problem specifically in
Goal 5.1 – Build an understanding of multiple perspectives and
global interdependence. However, this goal is not sufficiently
met.
Problem
 This lack of international understanding has many causes.
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There is inadequate focus on global education in the current
American school system.
Students have developed apathetic attitudes due to lack of
engagement.
Most U.S. students can’t find Afghanistan or Israel on a map.
 1.5 billion people speak Chinese yet less than 50,000 students in
the U.S. learn the language.
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 Some organizations are attempting to integrate geography
and culture in their curriculums, but their influence in the
public school system is limited.
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Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange
National Association of Independent Schools
Association of International Educators
Idaho Human Rights Education Center
Alternative Policies
 Meridian School District
“Global Perspectives” Class
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Advantages:
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Graduation requirement in the
Meridian School District
Brief overview of world religions,
cultures, history and local issues
Disadvantages:
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Inadequate instruction of pertinent
global conflicts
No application of knowledge or civic
education requirement
Alternative Policies
 Meridian School District “Citizenship in the 21st
Century” Class
 Advantages:
 Citizenship
- elements of a 21st-Century Citizen:
collaborative learning, emphasis in technology, global
education, critical thinking
 Current Events - accessing reliable sources; technological
skills in analyzing and presenting information
 Global Issues - Middle East, Northern Ireland, China,
Sudan, Columbia
 Civic Engagement Requirement -Project Citizen with
international emphasis
 Disadvantages:
 Elective course rather than graduation requirement
 Only 18 out of 1000 juniors and seniors at Centennial
are registered for this class
High
Our Policy
 Required “International Education/Senior Project” Class
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Graduation requirement for all Meridian School District
seniors (1 semester course)
Graduation requirement, like “Global Perspectives” class
 1-semester course taken during senior year, opposite Economics
class
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International Education Portion:
Citizenship, Current Events, Global Issues
 Similar to “Citizenship in the 21st Century” class
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Senior Project Portion:
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Senior Project with international emphasis
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Appeal to student interests: international business, foreign policy,
international art/music/culture, foreign language, etc.
Incorporate several components: research process, paper,
PowerPoint, oral presentation, civic engagement/action
 Remove Senior Project from Government and English curriculum
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Our Policy
 Advantages:
 Senior rather than
freshman class – allows
more in-depth and
applicable teaching
 Expose students to
international issues and
perspectives (Meridian
School District Goal 5.1)
 Action component
 Disadvantages:
 Impact is dependent on
student involvement
 May be difficult for
students to incorporate into
their class schedules
Civic Engagement Opportunities
Karin Cotterman, 2003
Our Policy
 Constitutional Opinion
 Serves the purposes of U.S. Government: ensure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general
welfare
 10th Amendment of U.S. Constitution: Powers not delegated to
federal government are responsibility of states
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Education is thus administered at state level – specifically by state
superintendents, district school boards, etc.
Article IX, Section I of Idaho Constitution: Idaho must maintain a
public school system; racial and religious discrimination must not
occur in school curriculum
Proposed class will not infringe on U.S. or Idaho constitutional rights
 District School Boards should carry out proposed policy
 Policy does not involve civil sphere
Action Plan
 Gain community support via personal interactions
and newsletters/publications
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Cooperate with local businesses that have international ties
Communicate with teachers and parents regarding
international education
 Community members with close-minded attitudes
may oppose intercultural acceptance
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Overcome opposition by informing the public of the benefits
of global education
Action Plan
 Gain government support by presenting class to
Meridian School Board
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Develop specific curriculum outline for “International
Education/Senior Project” class, delineating the “Enduring
Understandings with State Standards” (part of Meridian
School District curriculum) which the class addresses
Adapt curriculum to fit requirements of Boise School
District and present amended class to Boise School Board
 Government or school board officials with
budgeting and scheduling concerns may oppose
this class
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Overcome opposition by explaining how the potential
benefits of the class outnumber the logistical concerns
Putting the “World” into World Class Education
References
Alta Graham, Centennial High School Principal. Personal Interview. February 2010.
Cindy Wilson, Citizen in the 21st Century Teacher. Personal Interview. February 2010.
Cotterman, Karin. “The Wheel of Civic Engagement.” 2003.
Dean Diffin, Global Perspectives Teacher. Personal Interview. January 2010.
Dr. Dan Prinzing, Educational Director of the Idaho Human Rights Education Center. Personal
Interview. January 2010.
“Education in an Age of Globalization.” Speech by Michael Eskew, Chief Executive Officier and
Chairman of UPS . 2005.
“Fostering Global Engagement Through International Education.” NAFSA: Association of
International Educators. 2009.
“Infusing Global Perspectives into the Curriculum.” National Association of Independent School
Annual Conference Global Education Summit. 2009.
Oaks, Ursula. “Too Many Americans Lack Crucial Global Skills in Post-September 11 World, Report
Warns.” NAFSA: Assocation of International Educators. November 18, 2003.
Overmann, Mark. “International Exchange Programs.” The Alliance for International Educational
and Cultural Exchange. 2009.
“Population Information.” Idaho Office for Refugees. 2010.
Shannon Pogue, former Seeds of Peace Counselor. Personal Interview. January 2010.
Westheimer, Joel and Joseph Kahne. “Reconnecting education to democracy.” Democratic
Dialogues. September 1, 2003.