May 1, 2006	Volume 5, Number 14

Burmaster keynotes National conference on international and area studies

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster delivered the keynote address at the Title VI and Fulbright Hays National Outreach Conference on Global Studies in Madison on April 28. The event, hosted by the Wisconsin International Outreach Consortium, brought together Title VI outreach specialists, teachers of less commonly taught languages, and global studies specialists from around the country. Burmaster told conference attendees that International education is increasingly important for Wisconsin students.

“A quality education expands one’s experience, and gives students an appreciation for global understanding,” said Burmaster. “We must help our students and educators develop the integrated, critical thinking that will be required to live and work in a diverse nation and world. We need to work with and understand the thinking and values of people from other cultures, and function effectively in languages other than our own. We need to reach out to new neighbors and tackle large problems across international borders. In short, today’s students need to become globally literate.”

Burmaster says it’s important to advance the international education curriculum by expanding public awareness, promoting teacher and student exchanges, and identifying needed projects and resources. Conference participants discussed legislation that affects international relationships, the effect of globalization on education and business, teaching international issues as part of other subject areas, and providing world language instruction at the elementary level.

Last updated on 5/01/2006