Going global at Lawrence Woodmere Academy

As Lawrence Woodmere Academy opened its doors to a new school year last week, students will be introduced to a newly implemented curriculum that is expected to provide them with a global perspective.
Based loosely on Boston University Professor Carl F. Hobert’s educational philosophy as discussed in his book “Raising Global IQ: Preparing Our Students for a Shrinking Planet,” the global curriculum initiative will be taught at all levels of LWA and will include a Global Scholar certificate for Upper School graduates.
An 11-member team comprised of LWA faculty spent a portion of their summer putting together and learning the new curriculum that will include teaching Spanish in pre-kindergarten and travel abroad for older students. As the program develops, a non-Western Language will be added. Which one has yet to be determined, school officials said.
“It is what our students need for the future as they graduate and work in world we can’t even imagine,” said Upper School Director Cynthia Webb. “We need to have them know about the whole world as they compete for jobs in a connected world.”
Students who earn the certificate must take courses in media literacy, American civic, global issues, global scholar seminars and minimum of three years of a world language. Students could study as many as three languares, but that is not a requirement. They are also offered a variety of electives.
In addition, students will perform community service focusing on an issue using a plan they develop to improve conditions, take part in an event and/or activity during the school year that increases their awareness and interaction with people from diverse cultures and participate in three activities that expand their comprehension of local and global issues.
Susan Lettieri, director of the school’s global curriculum said that being prepared for the 21st century future is about being “world ready” and to have the ability and character to be “confident, self-directed and knowledgeable citizens.”
“Our global curriculum initiative engages our students in meaningful, authentic, experiential, reflective and student-centered learning that addresses topics from multiple perspectives,” Lettieri said.