Global Education in Weston Public Schools What?Why?How? Cheryl Maloney, Superintendent of Schools

What do we mean by global education?

Gordon Pike, University of PEI, Canada “The meaning of global education is derived in part from its practice, not just from theoretical understanding alone.” -Global Education and National Identity: In Pursuit of Meaning (2000) “For many teachers, however, just defining global education or explaining what it encompasses constitutes a major conceptual challenge.” Pike, 1997

Definitions…

Driving force behind Primary Source…

Our colleagues in Uganda… “The world has become a small village.” “No challenges are insurmountable.” “A small link leads to being part of the global community.” “Flowers to you!”

Global Education according to Field School Students… “Learning about things around the world…” “Learning about places and food from other countries…” “Learning about education in other places…” “Learning about geography and culture in other places…”

Working definition of global education in Weston Public Schools… Global education: infusing our curriculum with the skills, content knowledge and experiences that prepare students to navigate an interconnected world no longer limited by time, geography, national boundaries or culture.

Why focus on global education? Colonial Education Religion Agrarian society Enlightenment USA Education (18 th, 19 th, & 20 th century) Nationalism Industrialism Social movements 21 st Century Global economy Environment World Citizenship

SKILLS & CONTENT Identifying what we want all students…. …to know and be able to do

Prof. Yong Zhao, Michigan State, Confucious Institute Purpose of Global Education It is our mission to prepare every child for the demands of Global Citizenship by providing the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to move fluidly between two or more dramatically different languages and cultures. Members of WHS class of 2024

Tony Wagner, The Global Achievement Gap(2008) “…what all students will need to succeed as learners, workers, and citizens in today’s global economy.”

21 st Century Skills Importance of critical thinking, problem solving and creativity (Gardner, 2008) Right brain skills matter most now (Pink, 2006) Schools need to value individual student talents (Zhao, 2009) Revise all Benchmark Assessment Tasks to reinforce and assess critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Create structure to utilize these results in tracking student progress (offset MCAS)

Global citizenship & responsibility… Understanding of human rights Knowledge of inter-connectedness of all nations Environmental concerns Technological concerns Health concerns

What is the objective of global education in a curriculum? … to provide students with: an increased understanding of the world-physically, culturally, politically and economically, skills to navigate the world community

How will WPS move forward with Global Education?

Learning Standards in global education Time table Create draft Identify existing standards in curriculum Work in grades & departments Chart scope & sequence Decide how to assess & report student achievement Pilot & evaluate

Experience Increase travel opportunities through exchanges with schools in Europe, Asia, Africa & South America (maybe Australia?) Bring students and faculty to WPS Continue field trips Expand use of information and materials from other countries via internet, Skype, virtual sites… Build upon diversity of student body and parents

Challenges to educating students for global citizenship… Financial Professional development Political NCLB Technology World market

Next Steps Feed back via survey Global Committee will report out Curriculum leaders will review Professional Development

What, Why, How WHAT? Global education is defined as providing students with skills, content knowledge and experiences needed for the 21 st Century. WHY? The world is interconnected in so many ways that students must be prepared to navigate between and amongst different cultures.

HOW? ExperiencesAssessmentsCurriculum Classroom School District

What is global education?