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Global studies are a major focus in Burlington Public Schools as we prepare students for their future in a global society. Through the understanding of diverse cultures and histories, we not only better know ourselves, we also prepare our students for a future where national borders are fluid and job opportunities span the globe physically and/or through cyberspace.
Burlington currently offers world languages for students from grade 1 through graduation. Children at the elementary level explore Italian culture and language. New this year is the opportunity for students to connect through curriculum projects with students attending schools in Sardinia, Sicily and Rome. In this manner we hope to foster a curiosity and motivation to continue language studies throughout a student’s career. Our program at the elementary level has been hailed as an exemplary program by the Educational Director of the Italian Consulate, and C.A.S.IT Two of our staff were asked by Carlo Cipollone, Educational Director of the Italian Consulate, and Dr. Elvira DeFabio, Harvard, to present our program at Harvard University to teachers of Italian from the Boston area. Furthermore, since we have begun the elementary world language, the Italian program at the high school has more than tripled, increasing from three to ten classes.
Students at the secondary levels are able to take courses in Spanish, Latin, French, and Italian. By presenting world language at a young age, children acquire an ear and begin to process the structure of another language. Our hope is to develop language fluency and multi-lingual adults who are also culturally literate; thus opening an array of study and job opportunities in the future.
Burlington Public Schools currently offers a variety of courses across the curriculum spectrum in which aspects of global studies are embedded. Examples include International Studies, AP World History, Facing History and Ourselves, and World of Ideas (a year long interdisciplinary course).
Travel studies offer yet another opportunity for raising global awareness of both students and staff. In the past, Burlington has offered student travel studies to, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Trips to Italy and China are offered annually for students. Teacher study travel has included trips to Italy, China, Japan, West Africa, India, and Latin America (many of these through Primary Source).
Burlington Public Schools began the China Pathways project 3 years ago. We now have 8 other districts (12 next year) which have joined us to provide on line and face to face courses during out of school time. These courses include The Monkey King, The 5 Systems, and Current Chinese Cinema. (For further information, please see www.pathwaystochina.org) Course work prepares children for further travel and study of Chinese history, art, and culture. With successful completion of courses, students are eligible to travel to China on organized tours. Thus far, there have been 2 sponsored trips each year. The trip is partially funded through the generosity of Freeman Foundation grant monies. We are proud to announce that Pathways has been recognized as an exemplary program by the Massachusetts Initiative for International Studies (MIIS), The Massachusetts Association of Foreign Language Teachers (MAFLA), Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), and The Department of Education Global Studies Education Committee.
Through our efforts, a common aim is to create the broadest understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and to prepare our students for the world of tomorrow.
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