The Elements of Global Literacy

American students need to study global cultures, global challenges, and global connections, at all grade levels and across all subjects. Schools must strive to develop global literacy in these areas:

Communication

The first language of children gives them a strong identity. It opens a world to them, and it enables them to reason and express themselves in their first community. As students learn other languages, beginning in elementary school, they gain keys for global understanding, future jobs, and influence within a broader global community.

Citizenship

Children are first of all citizens in their home community. Through community and school life, they are introduced to local and regional history, geography, and their natural environment. As they mature, they understand that civic duty includes a deep understanding of national and world affairs and their impact on issues such as economic development and stewardship of the environment.

Careers

The globe has shrunk through travel, high speed data transfer, and instant communication technologies. This brings great opportunities, but only if students can function within an everchanging global job market. Global commerce involves the exchange of products, knowledge, and information. Students need to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all areas of the curriculum ranging from the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the humanities.

Culture

Artistic expression through literature and the performing arts has always defined a nation's humanity. As cultures come into contact, young people need flexibility and creativity to work across cultures in fields such as architecture, film and media, fashion, and design. Students need genuine experiences living, studying, and working within cultures different from their own home community.

Community

Getting to know people in other parts of the world through communication, commerce, and culture creates understanding as well as respect. The health of every community, small and large, is strengthened as students learn to see issues through the eyes of others.

For questions about this information, contact Gerhard Fischer (608) 267-9265

Last updated on 8/26/2008 8:43:03 AM