1. Global Perspective Studies Folsom High School
Melinda Malaspino, Program coordinator
March 3, 2017
Sutter Middle School presentation

2. GPS MISSION:
Through academics and enrichment, students: Connect global perspectives with global experiences through an international studies curriculum. Experience enhanced learning opportunities to better meet the challenges of life in a changing world. Engage in coursework inspires them to think not only critically, but globally. Gain cultural awareness, tolerance, understanding, and respect. Develop a passion for learning by utilizing technology and a common thread of world perspectives. Students will “locate their place in the world.”

3. Inclusive Program: Designed for ALL STUDENTS
Regardless of academic level or extracurricular interests, all students are invited to participate in GPS.
AP Students do not have to choose between AP courses and GPS requirements.
VAPA Students can still pursue their artistic interests while participating in the GPS program.
Special Education students are eligible to enroll in the seminar program as well as the electives.
Course offerings are diverse and allow for a range of choices catering to student interests.
Students completing four years of the program may earn either a certificate or a diploma designation, depending on the academic rigor of the courses they choose.

4. ACADEMIC PATHWAYS CERTIFICATE path: 4 yrs. Seminars
4 years of Core Classes
Minimum of ONE GPS designated elective
DIPLOMA path:
4 yrs. Seminar and all 4 years of Core classes
Minimum of TWO GPS designated electives
Completion of A-G College Admission requirements
RECOMMENDED FOR BOTH PATHS:
AP Capstone (Seminar and Research)

5. 9th Grade Program: Seminar I Guest Speaker Series
1-2 times a month during PAWS (advisory period), guest speakers share their experiences to provide students with a broader understanding of our place in the world.
Speaker topics focus on cultural awareness, global issues,
and careers with a global connection.
Speakers this year have included:
Anna Bowden, Kulafa School initiative
Vilma Patton, focus on International Business
Rabbi Yossi, focus on the Holocaust and its impact today
Justin Raithel, International Business

6. Seminar I: Focus on Literacy and Education
In Small Group Classroom Settings, students deeply dive into global issues related to literacy.
Resources include the film Girl Rising, the memoir I Am Malala, and Social Media campaigns including Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative

7. Seminar I: Intro to Design Thinking
In small group classroom settings, students are introduced to the process of Human Centered Design, or “Design Thinking”
Originated at Stanford University in their D School
Applicable to both Educational and Business setting

8. 9th Grade Core Class: English
Freshmen in GPS enroll in EITHER
GPS English 9 OR
Honors English 9
In both classes, students explore literature, writing, speaking and listening skills from a global perspective.
Global Myths
Universal Journeys
Contemporary Issues

9. 10th Grade Program: Seminar II Global Issues Study
3-4 lessons per semester during PAWS
Taught on a rotating basis to four groups of students
Compass points North, South, East and West
Topics include:
Current water-related issues both domestic and abroad
Current energy-related issues both domestic and abroad
Collaborative, technology-based projects utilizing Design Thinking
Blended learning environment including in-class and online approaches to learning

10. 11th Grade Program: Seminar III Global Service Learning
Beginning in 10th grade, students complete 12 hours of global or internationally-focused service.
Approximately 4 times a semester during PAWS, students hearGUEST SPEAKERS who
Educate students about their issue and organization
Provide concrete opportunities for service learning.
Topics this year have included:
3 Strands/Break Free
Upendo Foundation for Women
Rwanda Schools Project
AFS Project CHANGE
Kusewera Foundation

11. 10th and 11th Grade Core Classes: GPS World Cultures (10th) GPS US History (11th)
Increased rigor and connection with contemporary issues through the World Cultures and US History curriculum.
Class lessons frequently connect with ideas presented in Seminars II and III.
Use of I-Pads and other forms of technology to enhance learning and instruction.
Students may take AP European History and/or AP US History as alternative courses.

12. 12th Grade Program: Seminar IV Global Independent Project
INSPIRED BY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED IN 9th, 10th, and 1th grades, students meet with project advisors to design, implement, research and present their capstone projects.
Students must connect their projects with an established international organization.
Proposed project topics include:
Education for Girls (Girl Rising)
Hygiene kits for girls in Africa (Upendo Foundation)
Human Trafficking (Courage Worldwide)
Clean Water (Thirst International)
Whale Conservancy (Save the Whales)
Refugee Outreach (International Rescue Committee)
In the spring, students present their findings to a panel including fellow students,
teachers and volunteers from the community.
Those students who successfully finish this phase of the pathway
earn honors at graduation: Certificate or Diploma!

13. 12th Grade CORE CLASS: English
GPS SENIORS enroll in EITHER
GPS ENGLISH 12 OR
AP Literature and Composition
GPS English gives students the opportunity
To explore reading, writing, speaking and listening through a global lens
To work collaboratively with like-minded seniors and teachers as they explore issues related to social justice
To receive guided support on all phases of their senior capstone project

14. GPS Electives: Students are required to complete at least one from this list for certificate, or two for diploma.
GPS Intercultural Speech Communication
Open to grades 9-12
GPS Global Masterpieces (to be reinstated in 18-19)
Open to grades 11-12
World Languages:
Level III or AP for diploma option
Any one level for certificate option
Spanish, French or German
AP Human Geography
Open to grades 11-12
AP Environmental Science
Humanities 1: Critical Thinking with a Global Perspective
Open to grades 9-12
Connected with award- winning Academic Decathlon team

15. AP Capstone Program: Beginning 2018 Recommended for ALL GPS 11th and 12th graders
AP SEMINAR: Recommended for juniors or seniors. In this yearlong course, students develop and strengthen analytic and inquiry skills, exploring two to four relevant issues chosen by the student and/or teacher. Students will use this class as an opportunity to develop skills and explore ideas for their GPS Capstone Project AP RESEARCH: Recommended for seniors who complete AP Seminar AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research. AP Research allows students to design, plan, and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest, documenting their process with a portfolio. This allows students to demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world problems and issues. Students will use AP Research as an opportunity to complete their capstone project in a guided learning environment.

16. ENRICHMENT: Opportunities for all students
GPS Club
Service Events and Fundraisers
Guest Speakers and Movie Nights
March 8: Congo Voice presentation
Travel: Global Leadership Summit 2018
Theme: Innovation and Technology
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 25 STUDENTS
DEADLINE TO ENROLL IS APPROACHING SOON
For information:
Enroll in Remind 101: to 81010
Visit the EF Tours website:
Mrs. Malaspino at

17. For more information, visit us on the FHS Website!
Howard Cadenhead,
Principal
Melinda Malaspino,
GPS Coordinator
Elizabeth Sisson, Vice Principal
Eric Yoder
GPS Co-Coordinator