Global Updates From World View

May 2002 (No. 2)


Internationalizing Your School:  A Checklist of Ideas for Parents, Students, Teachers and the Community
From the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Spring 2002
1. Visual Presence: Is there an immediate visual presence of global connections as one enters the school? Do these images reflect cultures and identities of a diversity of students, including migrant workers, handicapped students, minority and ESL students and their families?

2. Foreign Language Programs: Do all students in the school have an opportunity to study a foreign language? At what age can students begin to study? Is proficiency in at least one foreign language a high school graduation requirement?

3. Sister School Connections: Does the school have a “sister school” relationship with another school? Is there a practice of trying to maintain a connection for three consecutive years to develop a stronger connection?

4. Exchange Teacher on Staff: Does the school have a teacher from another country as part of its teaching staff?

5. Globally Related Activities: Does the school calendar include special days and weeks of global focus?

6. International Exchange Programs for Students: Does the school or school district participate in accredited programs to send students abroad and to host international students?

7. International Baccalaureate Programs: Does the district participate in the International Baccalaureate Program?

8. International Curriculum Planning: Do staff have curriculum planning time or professional development opportunities to infuse a global perspective into their subject areas and grade levels?

9. For Credit Opportunities for Students and Staff: Do staff and administrators receive professional development credit or pay scale increases for study-based travel, mentoring, supervision, research or exchange teaching?

 

10. Technology Supports Global Connectivity: Does the district technology plan include and facilitate technological connections abroad?

11. International Guests in the Classroom: Does the school have a relationship with area colleges to invite international students and staff into classrooms?

12. Curriculum and Resources Review and Evaluation: Do librarians, media specialists and curriculum directors have professional development opportunities in areas of global and multicultural studies?

13. In-depth Study of One Region or Issue: Do students have time, resources and techniques to do in-depth study of one region or issue?

14. Balance and Fairness in the Classroom: Do teachers have guidelines and support for dealing with controversy in the classroom?

15. Encouragement of Heritage Languages: Are students who speak a heritage language given opportunities to build and expand their language skills?

16. Fundraising for International Education: Do collaborators know how to seek funding, such as state and federal grants or partnerships with local businesses or colleges, for international study?

17. Extracurricular Activities: Are student organizations encouraged to include multicultural issues as part of their projects?

18. Lighted Schoolhouse: Are school buildings open in the evenings for computer use, enrichment or English classes and opportunities for students and parents to study together?

19. Media Visibility: Does the community know about existing successful programs?