Global Education Massachusetts (GEM) Update

Members of Global Education Massachusetts (GEM) met on March 2nd to continue their work to promote international education initiatives across the state. Guests at the meeting included representatives from the state-level Executive Office of Education as well as a panel of community college and vocational high school educators.

Saeyun Lee and Beth Peabody, both of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education, presented an overview of the state's recently passed state education reform bill, which has important implications for global education in Massachusetts schools. The legislation provides for a targeted expansion of the cap on charters, rapid intervention in underperforming schools and districts, and the creation of "innovation schools" within traditional school districts. Together with the state's Race to the Top application, the bill represents a comprehensive approach to reforming the lowest-performing schools.

Massachusetts submitted a very strong application to the federal Department of Education and has just been announced as a finalist in the competition. The application included the possible creation of "theme schools" such as those with International Baccalaureate programs, in underperforming districts. Details were also provided on plans to develop the six Massachusetts Readiness Centers, which offer a continuum of K-12 services including professional development for educators. The winners of the Race to the Top competition will be announced in April.

Staff and faculty from Minuteman Career and Technical High School and Middlesex Community College spoke about the need for greater infusion of global perspectives into vocational and two-year college institutions.

A small group of GEM representatives will make a presentation in support of global education to the board of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education this spring. The group plans to include student, teacher, and business perspectives on the issue.

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