Oklahoma

A variety of efforts throughout the state support global education in Oklahoma. The Governor’s International Team, comprised of members from commerce, education, and state government, meets ten times each year and serves as an advisory body to the Secretary of State and Department of Commerce on international issues dealing with official state visits as well as business and trade.

The Global Oklahoma celebration, hosted by Rose State College each fall, involves K-20 students and community members in cultural activities that feature a different country each year.

The Oklahoma Global Education Consortium (OGEC) was founded among community colleges “to foster collaboration between institutions to achieve the goal of preparing individuals and communities to participate in the global society and economy.” Membership offers access to the OGEC listserv which provides information on global education activities/events around the world and an annual conference that is in its 13th year.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma is dedicated to the promotion and development of Chinese language education, and cultural and business exchange with the People’s Republic of China and the people of the south central United States. Jenks Public Schools secured two FLAP grants with Confucius Institute support, and Oklahoma will again host a Chinese immersion STARTALK program for students in July.

Two well established international schools in Tulsa featuring Spanish and French immersion programs at the elementary level remain operational despite massive cuts in programs.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education in collaboration with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education sponsored an international education summit in September and are working to implement recommendations from participants.

Contact Information: Desa Dawson, Desa_Dawson@sde.state.ok.us, Saeed Sarani, ssarani@osrhe.edu

Updated September 2011