The idea behind so-called "international schools" is to prepare students to compete in today's global economy. Unlike other schools, these campuses will integrate global perspectives into daily learning. This replaces the concept of one or two individual "global education" classes and incorporates global studies into every class.
For instance, an environmental science course might address how industrial growth in Mexico might impact regions around the world, or might link a classroom in Seattle with a class in Port Elizabeth, South Africa for conversations on history or political movements. It can also mean changing the way a course on "Westward Expansion" is taught by including a Native American perspective to the lesson. Students will also learn about a variety of cultures - beyond a lesson on festivals and food - and explore current challenges and issues facing the world community.
Denny Middle School Principal Jeff Clark says the international education program also allows teachers to more appropriately connect the cultures of students attending the school through a greater emphasis on cultural competency. It gives students the chance to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and not as outsiders. The school will include an emphasis in multicultural literature, arts, music, dance and drama from around the world.
Test scores indicate international school students frequently do better than their peers in standardized testing. Denny is the second international middle school in the Seattle School District. Concord is the third international elementary. The district's ultimate goal is to have more than a dozen international schools in the city.