Children today are growing up in a global age. The role of our nation in the international community, the face of American neighborhoods, the sources of everyday consumer products, the challenges confronting science, health, and law enforcement experts--these must all be understood and managed by a new generation of citizens, workers, and leaders. Are our schools equipping young Americans with the necessary international knowledge and skills to navigate today's interconnected world?

Schools for a Global Age showcases nine model schools who are beginning to address this question in exciting, innovative, and replicable ways.

Introduction (excerpts)
Understanding and applying knowledge of the cultures, languages, history, and economies of Asia and other world regions is far from a luxury in today's interconnected world; it is a necessity.

A global marketplace demands an internationally competent workforce. Already, one in six U.S. jobs is tied to international trade. U.S. trade with Asia has exceeded that with Europe since 1979 and now amounts to more than $800 billion a year. Growth for industries of all sizes will mostly be found in overseas markets, and access to good jobs will require new skills and, most likely, fluency in languages other than English. Careers in business, government, health care, law enforcement, and a wide variety of other fields will demand broad global knowledge.

Dealing with the biggest emerging threats to peace and stability--such as terrorism, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and environmental degradation--will require increased knowledge of other world regions, cultures, and languages.

Increased diversity in classrooms, workplaces, and communities--including new immigrants from Asia and Latin America--calls for greater understanding of the myriad cultures that students bring to school.

If people are to exercise effective citizenship in a democratic society in the twenty-first century, they will have to be knowledgeable about global issues. As we look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century, we must consider what knowledge and skills will ensure students’ success in life and in the workplace. The goal of developing an internationally literate generation is within our reach. We present Schools for a Global Age as a source of inspiration for every type of school and school district across the country, and as a glimpse into what can and must become the norm.

Schools Profiled

John Stanford International School
Seattle, WA

Evanston Township High School
Evanston, IL

Chinese American International School
San Franscisco, CA

International School of the Americas
San Antonio, TX

Metropolitan Learning Center:
Interdistrict Magnet School for Global International Studies
Bloomfield, CT

Eugene International High School
Eugene, OR

Glastonbury School District
Glastonbury, CT

Morikami Park Elementary School
Delray Beach, FL

Newton North and South High Schools
Newton, MA

Who we are | Contact

725 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
212.327.9227

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