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How can a school create a global vision and culture?
Internationally focused vision and mission statements can serve as the foundation for creating an inclusive, globally focused school culture. The Denver Center for International Studies, which serves students in grades 6-12, has a clear mission for its students, "The Denver Center for International Studies prepares students for college by developing multilingual, interculturally competent students who are actively involved in a rapidly changing world." The school is a good example of a global culture, which includes external symbols such as maps and flags, but goes well beyond this in day-to-day practice. There are, for example, regular morning assemblies where speakers representing different cultural perspectives present their views on important world issues. This tradition of intercultural discourse engages students in serious discussions from multiple vantage points.

Other schools create culture through coursework, offering special international strands or diplomas as an incentive to students if they take a certain number of internationally focused courses. The new Global Competence Program at Needham High School in Massachusetts, allows students to work toward a certificate of Global Competence. Eugene International High School in Oregon, offers globally focused classes across three high schools and requires a culminating research project and internationally oriented community service projects.

For more information on creating a global vision and culture click here, http://www.asiasociety.org/education/pgl/article-settingvision.htm

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