States Making Gains in International Studies

Washington

With its relatively homogeneous population and conservative ideals, Olathe, Kan., is not the most likely place to embrace global studies as a critical part of the school curriculum. But the 25,000-student district southwest of Kansas City has been working to infuse international content throughout the curriculum, according to Jan Heinen, the director of middle-level education.

And a program that offers a special endorsement on diplomas in international education for graduates who take more classes in the subject has been so popular, she said, it’s been expanded to each of the district’s four high schools.

In fact, Kansas is one of a growing number of states that have embraced international studies over the past several years. With increasing attention to the global economy and interest in helping students compete internationally, a noticeable growth in education initiatives and policies to address the need has occurred, according to a report by the Asia Society and the Goldman Sachs Foundation, released here last week, in conjunction with the States Institute on International Education in the Schools. The growth, though, has been sporadic and...