Global Coursework
The Global Scholars Program is designed to expand opportunities for global learning across the curriculum. World language, social studies, and English language arts courses often provide sustained opportunities to develop global competence. Administrators and educators are encouraged to discuss and improve the degree to which meaningful and sustained global learning is facilitated and assessed within other content areas and learning experiences within the school community. In order for students to qualify for the Certificate of Global Competence they must have access to and successfully complete 8 credits of coursework with a global focus including a 4 credit continuum (or the equivalent) of world language learning.
A non-inclusive list of courses that may meet criteria for inclusion are:
- International business
- World history and ethnic studies courses
- World geography
- Comparative religions or cultures
- Environmental science
- Global literature
- International arts and music
- Statistics and data analysis
- Global health
World Language Requirement
Wisconsin Global Scholars are expected to communicate in one or more languages in addition to English. Four credits of language study are required with the goal of students attaining Intermediate High language proficiency. Schools applying to administer the Global Scholar Program must offer a four year sequence of world language courses taught by a licensed educator. Students who successfully demonstrate Intermediate High language proficiency through a formal assessment, such as AAPPL or STAMP, may also qualify for the Wisconsin Seal of Biliteracy credential. English learners meet this requirement through courses taught in English, their second language.
Cultural Literacy Requirement
Each student seeking this credential shall complete independent reviews/reflections on at least eight (8) works of global/cultural media, including at least four books (fiction and non-fiction). Other media may include films, podcasts, music, and art exhibitions. Students may elect to read books from a recommended reading list or other works with prior approval by their district program coordinator. Responsiveness to student suggestions and areas of interest is encouraged.Each school and/or school district may determine criteria for reviews and reflections and how these student works will be evaluated. It is important that student work in this area follows the same requirements of depth of knowledge as any other writing or creative assignment in writing, the arts, video production etc. Resources to identify high quality texts for global learning include the Cooperative Children's Book Center, the Wisconsin Center for the Humanities Great World Texts, and your local school and public libraries.
Global Community Service
Each student shall complete a global/cross-cultural service learning project, involving at least twenty (20) hours of service, connected to a global community (different from his/her own) or to a global issue. This project may include raising awareness about a global issue, fundraising for a international nonprofit service agency/organization, working on an international project with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Rotary, or another Service Club, tutoring a child who is an English language learner, or volunteering with a cultural/linguistic group in the community. Each student shall present a project proposal to a teacher or other staff member designated according to district/school policy prior to initiating the project and a summary report upon completion.
Co-Curricular and other School-Sponsored Activities
Each student seeking this certificate shall demonstrate interest in global citizenship through active participation and leadership in at least four (4) co-curricular and other school-sponsored or endorsed activities in grades 9-12. These may include participating in:
- DPI and UW-Madison sponsored Global Learning Summit
- International exchange program as exchange student and/or host
- Travel abroad program/educational tour
- Regular, direct engagement with individuals from other countries/cultures (e.g., pen pals, Skype)
- Language and other internationally focused clubs, honor societies
- Internationally themed programs/competitions for high school students (e.g., Model UN or DECA International competitions)
- International programs offered by colleges/universities (e.g., World Language Day, World Cinema Day, or language/region-specific programs)
- Language immersion camps (e.g., Concordia Language Villages)
- Organizing and running internationally themed events (e.g., International Fairs, Language Days)
- Lectures on international topics and/or speakers in the community or at a college/university
- Activities comparable to those listed above in collaboration with other individuals or organizations within the student's school and/or from other schools.