West Virginia

The West Virginia Department of Education and the State Board of Education have developed a comprehensive plan, entitled Global 21, to ensure every child succeeds as a global citizen and worker in the 21^st century.   At its core is the mission to develop self-directed, motivated learners who demonstrate the skills and knowledge that are fundamental to becoming successful in the digital 21^st century world.  Specific initiatives that are geared toward global and international competencies include:

• Project Based Learning Initiatives:  Through the Teacher Leadership Institute and the Summer Institute for ESL and World language teachers, West Virginia teachers have received training in how to effectively construct and implement interdisciplinary project based learning units that address global themes.  
• Go Global Academies:  In conjunction with the Center for Professional Development, the state is sponsoring two Go Global academies to promote international education initiatives.  Teams of teachers from eight schools across the state will attend the Go Global academies during which they will develop a comprehensive plan and commit to implementing an ongoing interdisciplinary two-year school-wide project.  Each school team is allocated resources to support their projects as well as the ongoing collaboration of an assigned Go Global mentor.
• World Language Expansion:  As part of the Strategic Plan approved by the State Board of Education, the state has expanded its World Language program offerings to focus on younger learners (PreK - Middle School) while adding critical language offerings in Chinese and Japanese.