Global Studies at San Jose Episcopal Day School

Description of Programs:

Program Models are defined as number of hours within the program.

1. Immersion:
   Complete immersion of the identified culture & language.
2. Flexible:
   Identified culture is woven throughout the curriculum as needed or desired (language proficiency level should be identified)
3. Language Only:
   Typically HS and Secondary – language classes only with specific language outcomes in preparation for AP and college level proficiency.

U. S. Department of Education has approved 4 new languages to be added to the AP College Board tests: Italian, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin.

Summary of Research:
All programs/curriculum focus on UN Millennium Goals

• International
  Canada, Australia and the UK have active programs for Global Education within their national standards. Focus at the early levels is defining culture as well as some of the cultural issues that we are dealing with in today’s world such as poverty, starvation, peace, human rights and the environment. Focus at higher levels of education is more specific and taught through thematic units on an identified global issue. University level focuses on language proficiency, global approach for business and working in or with a foreign country.

• National
  Numerous colleges offer Global Studies Programs and/or Degrees. Indiana University has developed the Center for Global Studies, which seems to be in the forefront of this new type of degree. (immersion)
• K-12
  Approximately 20 states are adding or have added Global Education to current curriculums. Most programs are flexible in that they enhance curriculum through the study of various cultures and range in the degree of study. The most popular vehicle for cultural “mini-units” is technology. Many elementary and middle schools are involved in E-Pals, have web-pages documenting their study of global communities as well as highlighting their communication with a global community.
  Chinese Immersion programs exist in approximately ten states and are expensive to develop, implement and maintain ($10,000-$15,000).The main obstacle is quality educators who understand the United States culture and pedagogy/philosophy of teaching.

Early & high programs would fit best under the Flexible Model as the curriculum ranges from school or classroom websites to specific “mini units”. SJEDS fits best under the “Flexible Model” for global education.