International Education Council

We live at a time of increased awareness of global connectedness. Wisconsin's citizens need to be globally literate, to understand the linkage of economies, peoples, and cultures around the world, and to function comfortably and effectively in languages and cultures other than their own. This is not a luxury, but a critical component of a 21st century education. Therefore, the Governor of Wisconsin and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction convene this Statewide International Education Council.

Mission:

To bring together education, business, and community leaders to create alliances to develop global literacies in a new generation of students, teachers, and citizens.
To ensure that international education is included as an integral part of state initiatives, conferences, business practices and processes, and, most importantly, in all levels of education for Wisconsin citizens.

The Statewide International Education Council and its Regional Leadership Alliances will partner to:

advance international education curriculum
expand public awareness
promote teacher and student exchanges
identify needed projects and resources.

The Council will identify areas for needed policy, publicity, and funding of international education.

The Council will utilize Regional Leadership Alliances composed of representatives from educational institutions, culturally-related organizations, business and industry, appropriate governmental agencies and other interested persons to gather local information on international education activities and initiatives, provide recommendations to the Council and assist in the implementation of state-wide initiatives.

Structure:The International Education Council will be maintained as an ongoing effort. Council members will meet at least three times a year to hear progress reports from and address needs identified by the Regional Leadership Alliances.

Council Membership: - Clicking on this link will show a list of Council Members.

Regional Leadership Alliances - Mission

Four Regional Leadership Alliances are identified to partner with the Statewide International Education Council for the purpose of coordinating and implementing international education efforts. Because vision, ownership, and success of international education efforts are best rooted in local communities, the Regional Leadership Alliances play an essential role in strengthening state initiatives and collaboration.

The priority of the Regional Leadership Alliances will be to strengthen school and business partnerships around international education, build on existing programs, and create new opportunities. Each Regional Leadership Alliance will be co-chaired by a business leader whose work reflects global connections and an educator with international involvement.

Regional Leadership Alliances - Structure

Regional members will be individuals already actively engaged in or passionate about international education, including world languages, ethnic festivals, programs for recent immigrants, student exchanges, and university and PK-12 curriculum.

Each Regional Leadership Alliance will discuss and choose a project or projects in areas prioritized by the statewide council. These include: (1) identify model programs that exemplify best practices in international education; (2) design a media plan to increase visibility of international programs; (3) identify new audiences for current (or new) international education programs; and (4) identify collaborative partners to sustain and expand excellent programs or add exemplary models showcased in other regions.

Regional differences will result in a diversity of initiatives. New audiences may include students enrolled in technical education classes; African-American students; American Indian youth; new immigrant families, such as Hmong- or Asian-American neighborhoods; school counselors; and leaders in the business of agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and natural resources. Initiatives may range from advocating for world language programs in elementary grades, introducing new policies or legislation at the local school board or state government level, or working with teachers to strengthen a global studies curriculum at the high school level. Collaborations may include pairing an area import/export business with every school in a district, creating an international resource directory, or soliciting funding for international exchange scholarships or internships abroad. Media will be broadly defined to include newspapers, television, print, electronic Web pages, list servs, distance education projects, and video connects.

Global Literacy

Strategies for Achieving Global Literacy for Wisconsin Students

Contact:Gerhard Fischer, International Education Consultant, Telephone: 608/267-9265; FAX 608/266-1965

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

Last updated on 2/25/2008 1:42:38 PM