Vol, 6, No. 28: September 24, 2007		Get SEAchange by email

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6. Best practice update: Janesville Academy for International Studies

Educators in the School District of Janesville have developed a bold way to teach global literacy: a charter school focusing on international studies.

Students attending public high school in Janesville may opt to spend part of their days at the Janesville Academy for International Studies. Students choosing this option still go on to graduate from their home high school, but with honors credits from the Academy--and an exceptional educational experience.

Learning at the Academy is individualized; students choose a country to study in their first semester and a unique project to complete for graduation, such as a study of AIDS in Uganda. Classes tend toward the short module variety.

The Academy's instructional framework draws on the strategies of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a national organization dedicated to preparing students for today's world. Thus, technology is emphasized, as are skills that local community members identify as being important to global business, government, or citizenship. Interpersonal skills and an "inquiry methodology" are also considered crucial.

As part of a cultural component, students attend events with a variety of outside speakers and performers, and are allowed to earn credits through study of international film and literature.

School district personnel say the Academy is not for every student, but for those students for whom it is a good fit, it provides an outstanding educational opportunity.

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Last updated on 9/25/2007