Essential Questions

1. What are your state/county’s current (and expected future) connections to other parts of the world, including economic development/jobs, cultural exchanges, and population diversity?

2. Has your state/district developed a formal policy to promote international knowledge and skills?

3. How can international education be incorporated into school reform efforts already under way in your state/district?

4. Do your state/district’s existing standards and assessments incorporate international content in a meaningful way across all major subject areas?

5. How can your state/district provide or increase incentives for schools to teach about the world?

6. What opportunities do students and teachers in your state/district have to learn world languages, including less commonly taught languages?

7. How can teacher preparation and certification programs be strengthened and internationalized?

8. How can your state/district tap the resources of higher education and the business community to promote students’ and teachers’ international knowledge and skills?

9. How can your state/district’s technology and distance learning infrastructure be used to strengthen international education?

10. How can your state/district expand students’ and teachers’ participation in international partnerships and exchanges?

11. How can your school and community libraries, afterschool programs, and other informal learning resources be used to promote learning about the world?

12. How can technology resources be used to extend the international knowledge and experiences of teachers and students?

13. What professional development opportunities exist or can be developed for teachers and administrators to gain more international expertise?

As you look at the map, consider:

1. Look at the changing demographics in your county/state. What does this mean for your classrooms? What skills will these students need to be successful citizens and employees?

2. What is the status of world language study, including less commonly taught languages?

3. Which local ethnic communities or language groups can be tapped to strengthen learning about the world?

State Infographics

See the side bar to link to infographics for every state and for Washington, DC.

Get Involved

To learn more about how to make the case in your community or to get involved.

Global Competence  Toolkit