IN THIS ISSUE   
Thomas Friedman Speaks about America in a "Hot, Flat and Crowded" World
International Education Week Coming in November
Position Open at CASIE & Farewell Message
International Classroom: Rice offers Level 3 Workshops

QUICK LINKS   
Register for IB Training Workshops
Level 1 or Level 2 Workshops

Thomas Friedman Speaks about America in a "Hot, Flat and Crowded" World
By Gordana Goudie, AIS Communications Department

Atlanta International School (AIS) hosted a presentation by Thomas L. Friedman, three-time Pulitzer Prize winning columnist for the New York Times and best-selling author, on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.

Friedman discussed his groundbreaking new book, "Hot, Flat and Crowded, Why we Need a Green Revolution - and how it can renew America" and explained why America needs an ambitious national strategy not only to address challenges presented by global warming, rapid population growth, and the rise of middle classes all over the world but also to make America healthier, more innovative, more productive and more secure. To a packed auditorium of business and community leaders, students, parents and faculty at the 4K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Friedman outlined how global challenges present opportunities for America to contribute to healing the earth and in renewing itself as a nation, at the same time.

Friedman's bestseller, "The World is Flat" enabled millions of readers see globalization in a new way. AIS, a leader in global education, invited Friedman to speak to its constituents because he offers a forward-thinking view of global issues that is relevant to its own mission to prepare students to succeed in a globally connected world. Friedman's appearance at the school exposed students, and the school community as a whole, to a new perspective on global issues, demonstrating how an international education extends beyond the classroom. In an open-minded environment, students are taught to think critically, to question and to address important issues no matter how difficult or contentious they may be. The result of this approach to learning was evident after the presentation when upper school students posed their insightful questions and demonstrated their skill at confidently participating in discussions on issues of global significance.

In an ever competitive marketplace, AIS is preparing students to become leaders in the challenging, interconnected new world that Friedman so aptly describes in his recent works. Friedman's presentation at Atlanta International School was one of the author's first appearances since the release of his new book.

International Education Week Coming in November

CASIE invites all educators to celebrate International Education Week, November 17th-21st. This observance was established in November 2000 as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to recognize the global exchange environment between the United States and other countries and to highlight international aspects as well as seek new and innovative ways of incorporating international mindedness throughout the educational and business networks.

As the global marketplace continues to develop and technological advancements bring us all closer together, educators must prepare students for a world with fewer political and trade barriers by equipping them with a broader worldview and cross-cultural communication skills. CASIE encourages educators to explore ways to celebrate 2008 International Education Week and has listed suggestions on our website. For additional ways to highlight the International Education Week in your own setting visit: iew.state.gov/

Position Open at CASIE

CASIE is seeking an energetic, highly motivated, team player to fill the role of Program Manager. The position is open immediately. The Program Manager is responsible for workshop registration as well as some oversight of organizational programs and events, as needed. The Program Manager will oversee the day-to-day registrations and payments to International Baccalaureate Workshops, including communication with school districts. Program Manager will work closely with the IB Workshop Director to monitor and project Workshop attendance as well as the execution of all Workshops. Please visit CASIE's website to view the full job description and to learn how to apply.

A Farewell Note
After three wonderful years, I have decided to leave CASIE and enjoy some time off with family and friends. As I bid farewell I would like to take this opportunity to thank CASIE for becoming the means by which I connected, collaborated and worked seamlessly with so many of you. It has been my pleasure in welcoming you and your teachers to special events as well as the IB workshops hosted by CASIE. I will certainly miss the friendly conversations and the familiar hellos. I wish you all the very best for the future. - Ayesha Siraj

Rice University Offers IB Academies
Part of the International Classroom Series, showing international education in practice.
By Kristal Scheffler

Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is offering IB Level 3 Academies during the fifth annual International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Level Workshops in March 2009.

The 2009 Academies include:
· Theory of Knowledge: International Mindedness
· Biology
· English A1: World Literature
· Interdisciplinary Connections: Romanticism
· History Route 2

Designed for experienced IB teachers who are interested in strengthening and broadening content knowledge, collaborating with peers and actively participating in discussions, the Academies are content intensive and will provide IB teachers with an opportunity to delve into more specific course content that connects to their discipline's current work.

Each course will be facilitated by an experienced IB workshop leader and will be composed entirely of presentations by distinguished faculty from Rice and other institutions of higher education. Participants will develop further mastery of content in their field within the guidelines of the IB course descriptions.

"Participants frequently tell us that the Rice Level 3 Academies are invigorating," said Jennifer Gigliotti-Labay, director of teacher professional development for the Glasscock School. "With an emphasis on depth of content, teachers have the opportunity to broaden their own subject knowledge while making professional connections with their colleagues from around the world.

"In 2009, we are especially excited about our newest Level 3 offering, 'Theory of Knowledge: International Mindedness,' which will focus on what it means to promote international mindedness in IB schools."

IB Workshops for Levels 1 and 2 are also available. More information can be found at teachers.rice.edu.

PAST ISSUES          July-September '08         April-June '08

Notes from Alex

As I think you all know, at the end of this year I will be transitioning from the role of Executive Director to that of Senior Consultant for CASIE. This move will allow me have more time to enjoy some "retirement" pursuits, while still remaining involved in the world of international education.

During the past four years. CASIE has grown tremendously both in stature and reputation. This has happened because we have continuously sought to improve standards within our various activates. As a provider of IB workshops we take the comments of our participants and leaders very seriously, and have used them to enhance our offerings and the way in which they are delivered. Our role as consultants in the field of language education and international education has developed significantly as we have increased our knowledge base and experience by working with public and independent schools across the US and in other parts of the world.

Special events have become part of CASIE's offerings, beginning with the Georgia International Education Summit in 2005, and culminating with this year's highly successful Global Language Convention. We now have three years experience in hosting the Council of International Schools International College Fair for IB students, with this year's event proving to be extremely successful.

I have every confidence that CASIE will continue to flourish. Suzanna Jemsby brings a wide background and skillset to the position. The CASIE board will also be transitioning to new leadership as current board chair Bob Robinson comes to the end of his term of office.

In my new role I will be concentrating on working with some existing clients, and also developing further contacts for CASIE. I will maintain my work on professional committees for the Georgia Department of Education, the International Baccalaureate and other organizations.

However, I am also expecting to be using the bicycle and the golf cart as major forms of transportation and enjoying travel opportunities not necessarily connected with international education!

Best wishes to everyone, and heartfelt thanks to the CASIE staff and all those who have supported us during the past four years.

Alex Horsley
(new e-mail address: alex.horsley@casieonline.org)

© Copyright Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education 2008-2009.
If you experience difficulty with this page, please contact the webmaster