Wisconsin wins national recognition for global literacy

Wisconsin’s global literacy initiative received a 21st Century Skills Practice of the Year award from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills last week. Of the three states receiving the awards, only Wisconsin won for a global literacy program.

"We are honored to accept this award on behalf of the many individuals and organizations that have worked together to make global literacy a part of everyday life in Wisconsin’s schools, workplaces, and communities," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "Helping our citizens understand other cultures and languages is critical to Wisconsin’s continued economic success."

Judges called Wisconsin’s initiative a comprehensive international education program and a solid example of global awareness in practice. Wisconsin is the only state to have produced a curriculum in international education. Additionally, the state superintendent and governor convened Wisconsin’s Statewide International Education Council in 2002, which has created five Regional Leadership Alliances, each with business and education co-chairs; an International Education Summit; and recommendations for education policy stating five key goals: global literacies for all students, world languages for all students, global training for all teachers, intercultural experiences for all citizens, and international linkages for Wisconsin businesses and government.

In the past year, the DPI has secured federal funding that will allow approximately 1,800 Wisconsin students to learn Mandarin and Arabic. DPI also is connecting with educators and communities in France, Germany, Japan, and Thailand. These official collaborations have led to many opportunities for schools to bring broad perspectives to all subject areas and to prepare students for living beyond their customary borders.

More about the award: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/eis/pdf/dpi2007_57.pdf
International Education Recommendations: http://dpi.wisconsin.gov/cal/pdf/ie-recom.pdf
Strategies for Achieving Global Literacy for Wisconsin Students: http://dpi.wi.gov/cal/pdf/global-litbrochure.pdf
More about international education in Wisconsin: http://dpi.wi.gov/cal/interntled.html
More about world languages education in Wisconsin: http://dpi.wi.gov/cal/languages.html
Related curricula and publications from DPI: http://dpi.wi.gov/pubsales/language.html

For more information about SEAchange, contact: Benson Gardner at (608) 266-3374.

Last updated on 6/11/2007