U.S. Department of Education Secretary Ron Paige:

Leadership for International Education

During International Education Week 2002, Secretary Paige spoke to the importance of International Education in our schools in his policy address to the States Institute on International Education in the Schools:

 

“Clearly, to meet our goal to leave no child behind, we must shift our focus from current practice and encourage programs that introduce our students to international studies earlier in their education, starting in Kindergarten.
I will seek legislative authority, or build on existing authority, to support international education in our K-12 schools through partnerships with local colleges and universities.
I will also work to partner with states to provide new resources in support of high-quality K-12 programs that provide international knowledge and skills in our nation's classrooms.
International education shouldn't be an add-on. International content can be integrated into the teaching of many subjects. When children read stories, some should be by and about people in other countries. Students in dual language immersion programs often study some of their math, science, and other lessons in that language. They are building skills in both English and another language at the same time that they are learning subject-matter content. Some children in our country are learning these skills, but many more could and should do it.”

Washington D.C.

November 2002

 

In November, 2002, US Department of Education Secretary Ron Paige gave recognition to the Friendship Through Education Schools Outfitting Schools connections between Sunnyside Elementary School in Washington State,USA, and schools in Afghanistan. In his address to the Friendship through Education Consortium in Washington, DC, he recognized and thanked students at Sunnyside School for their caring efforts in providing school supplies for their peers in Afghanistan.

"Everyday, Friendship Through Education is making a real difference, not only in the lives of children half a world away, but also in the lives of our own children right here at home.

I encourage more schools to participate to help the children of Afghanistan. In the war against terror, children can fight fear with friendship. I wish you all success in your endeavor to make the world a better place for children.

I a reminded of a song that I think is appropriate for today. The song is 'We Are the World'. Children really are the world and thank you for all your work on behalf of our children."

right: U. S. Dept. of Education Secretary Paige thanking Kristi Rennebohm Franz in Washington, DC at Friendship through Education Consortium Reception, 11/02

Photo by iEARN

 

Return to Building a World through Education: Launching Essential Learnings from Washington State USA to Afghanistan