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In response to Superintendent Tom Horne’s 2007 initiative for foreign language and international studies, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) now has 24 schools piloting international programs, PreK-12. The initiative is a partnership among the ADE, higher education entities within the state and private business groups, and together they compose the International Education Steering Committee. Ten subcommittees focus on key areas of development and the growth of international education in PreK-12 schools. ADE has begun updating education standards to include a global focus, started promoting critical thinking, and is now helping schools increase foreign language acquisition. One goal is for students to learn a new language in kindergarten, a second new language in sixth grade, and a third new language in high school, combined with international studies and exchange programs. Key accomplishments to date include:
- Professional development for International Schools.
- Curriculum training workshop for legislators, business leaders, teachers and principals
- New Teacher Recruitment Initiative to recruit from abroad for: math, science, and foreign languages. Countries targeted: India, Japan, China, Russia and Germany.
- Partnership with Arizona International Educators group: higher education professionals and faculty in support of the ideals and practice of international education.
- The Inaugural Global Teacher’s Summit for over 100 teachers, principals, administrators, and university level educators from Arizona to help international schools improve their engagement with global issues and world cultures through curriculum development ideas and resources. As a result of this conference, International Schools increased by twelve schools.
- The International Education website has been created: http://tinyurl.com/international-ed-az
- Legislation has been adopted that changes the requirements for teachers of world languages. The new policy will streamline certification and preserve jobs for outstanding language teachers.
- Collaboration with other ADE divisions to promote student leadership, global community outreach programs, foreign exchange programs, and student trips abroad.
Contact information: Carmen Chenal Carmen.chenal@azed.gov; Linnea Heap, linnea.heap@azed.gov
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