Innovative Learning Opportunities: FWSU Recognized for Developing Global Partnerships

In March 2016 FWSU was selected as one of the first best global model schools and districts among candidates from 9 states in the U.S., 11 countries, 80 schools, and the partners of over 150 IVECA international programs.

From the IVECA Website:

Franklin West Supervisory Union school district in Vermont, USA, Charmsaem Elementary and Jeonmin High School in Korea became the first recipients of IVECA Distinguished Global School/District Award.

FWSU received their award on March 2, 2016 and had a special acknowledgment:

With great pride and responsibility, IVECA Center for International Virtual Schooling recognizes the innovative leadership and best practices of FWSU School District, USA in transforming local school education to 21st century global collaborative schooling. Especially, IVECA Center acknowledges the pioneering leader, Superintendent Ned Kirsch, for his vision and support towards promoting interculturally competent global citizenship.

This award affirms the value FWSU places on global competencies and using technology to facilitate these learning opportunities. Superintendent Kirsch has expressed how important global competency skills are in preparing our students, “I believe it essential for our students to understand the idea of intercultural competence.  We are now living in a world where it is common to be working and communicating with people across the globe. Knowing how to communicate appropriately and effectively is a requite skill for all of our students.”

The mission of IVECA is to Promote Intercultural Exchange: “IVECA helps students to communicate with one another in different cultures and countries. The program provides a virtual environment that enables students to share subject matters and socialize within the program.”

FWSU began its partnership with IVECA during the 2012-13 school year, and has continued its relationship with several global school partners at a variety of classroom age levels.

Angelique Fairbrother, FWSU Digital Learning Specialist, commented on what this successful partnership means for our students, “IVECA is an authentic opportunity for our students to begin to learn how to become responsible world citizens. We aspire to take what we learn from IVECA and expand it into the everyday learning of our FWSU students.” 

Such global learning opportunities are made possible through this partnership with IVECA, but the drive and commitment to keep them strong and sustainable is firmly rooted in the visionary FWSU Action Plan:

Target 4 – Engaged Community Partners
FWSU staff and students engage in authentic learning opportunities with local, regional, state, and global partners to make a difference in their community, state, and world.

Indicator of Success: Students and staff participate in a global dialogue with partners located outside of their school community and engage in authentic investigation and problem solving.

 Action Step 3 – Develop global partnerships for innovative learning opportunities.