Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2010
SCI Challenges Global Competence Position of
National Education Association
America's Youth Need Cultural Awareness through
People-to-People Exchanges
WASHINGTON, DC — Sister Cities International responded to the National Education Association (NEA) Policy Brief on Global Competence released on April 7, 2010 that recommends educators deliver a global education though increased technology use. Sister Cities International praised the NEA's premise that a global education is needed in public school systems, but it challenges the NEA's narrow approach to international awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity through a computer screen.
Sister Cities International suggests that the NEA create a model curriculum that encourages public schools to work in cooperation with their local sister city program or other community partners engaged in people-to-people exchanges to support educators in their efforts to increase global competency in America's youth.
"You can't learn how to write or read, throw a baseball or excel in geometry and physics by watching a computer screen." said Patrick Madden, President and CEO of Sister Cities International. "We need students to be active participants in their global education and experience other cultures first-hand through people-to-people exchanges."
As use of technology grows in classrooms and more academic instruction is delivered with computers, virtual exchanges have merit as a tool for educators at the primary level, but they do not provide the same experience nor potential long-term benefits for students in middle and high school.
"Youth and education exchanges have been a bedrock of sister cities programs through our history. Educators and schools need to leverage community partners to augment the classroom experience." said Madden.
Data from the 2010 Sister Cities International Community Impact Study demonstrated:
- 71% of sister cities programs have conducted youth exchanges in the past three years;
- 65% of sister cities programs have partnered primary and secondary schools to execute cultural exchanges; and
- 53% of sister cities programs partner with colleges and universities on programs.
Many sister cities programs Sister city programs across the country including Chicago and San Diego have engaged local school districts to create an international curriculum that uses both technology and face-to-face interaction to increase global competence.
About Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 counties on six continents between 600 communities in the Unites States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International represent citizen diplomats who work tirelessly to promote the organizations' mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, as well as humanitarian assistance.
Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: SisterCityIntl
MEDIA CONTACT: Frances Reimers, 202.347.8630 x8251 or freimers@sister-cities.org
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