Learn with the World
December 8, 2010, Washington, DC — PISA is an enormously valuable mechanism. It provides the foundation for a serious dialogue among nations on what works in education, and how those successes can be adapted to different geographic, cultural and political contexts. The recently released 2009 PISA results are grounds for both optimism and concern for the United States. The data shows that the US ranked 17th in science, which is an improvement from 21st in 2006. Much of these gains come from improvement among the lowest-performing students. But performance in reading and math remains relatively flat. The US ranked 14th in reading, ...
Graduate Profile
Successful schools in the 21st century prepare students to be globally competent, and ready for college. This guiding belief shapes Asia Society's International Studies Schools, a network of mostly urban schools who prepare its students to be innovative contributors to the global knowledge economy and interconnected world. Asia Society's International Studies Schools Network (ISSN) graduates are Ready for College. They have successfully: Completed a globally focused course of study, including classes, extracurricular activities, and international travel, that has enabled them to develop interest and demonstrate expertise in a specific world culture or an important international issue. Earned a high school diploma with credits ...
Systems Thinking
The room hummed with giggles and mutters of “one, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war,” as a few dozen educators thumb-wrestled their way through a presentation on systems thinking. Sound strange? Imagine, then, doing it with your students to illustrate how preconceived notions can influence actions. Instructor Joan Yates, project manager for systems thinking in the Catalina Foothills School District in Tucson, Arizona, asked the teachers to thumb-wrestle for one minute with the goal of getting the most pins as possible. Most took that to mean the goal was to win. After all, a game requires a winner – right? ...
Global Competence
by Anthony Jackson In matters of national security, environmental sustainability, and economic development, what we do as a nation and in our everyday lives is inextricably intertwined with what governments, businesses, and individuals do beyond our borders. This new reality helps us more clearly define the role that education must play in preparing all students for success in an interconnected world. Congress and the Obama Administration are investing unprecedented resources in American education, betting that our outmoded, factory-age system can be fundamentally transformed to prepare students for the rigors of a global economy. They have challenged states and school districts to ...
Languages Translate to a World of Learning
Imagine a whole generation of multilingual Americans that can help meet workforce and national security needs. A new Congressional bill might translate to just that. But this vision has to start in schools. Language study can be a launching pad to create a more globally focused school, and open doors for your students when they go off into the world. "Our kids are going to be working in global marketplaces. We can't pretend that isn't coming," says Shari Albright, professor at Tritinity. Despite this imperative, school board members and parents may balk at the idea of starting or expanding a language program, ...
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The Asia Society Partnership for Global Learning annual conference connects educators, business leaders, and policymakers to share best practices, build partnerships, and advance policies to ensure that all students are prepared for work and citizenship in the global 21st century.
See keynotes and presentations.
