Kansas

The Kansas Committee on International Education in the Schools (KCIES), a statewide group of policymakers, educators, and representatives of the business community, has promoted the infusion of international content into the K-12 curriculum, raised public awareness of the need for international education, and offered resources for teachers, students, parents, and communities since 2003.

Activities for AY 2010-2011 included the selection of recipients for the fifth Kansas in the World Award for Excellence in International Education, the publication of the second installment of “The Fastest Pig in the West” in a graphic novel format, participation in several States Network national conference calls, and welcoming a new Educational Program Consultant for History/Government/Social Studies at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). Furthermore, KSDE personnel now will collect enrollment data on world languages being taught at the elementary and secondary levels in public schools, and also will disseminate information on international education via their listservs.

Plans for the future under consideration by the KCIES Board and other interested educators include webinars on international topics linked to state curriculum standards by grade level and widening the scope of K-12 international education to include afterschool programs.

Contact information: Megan Greene mgreene@ku.edu