Foreign Language and International Studies High Schools (continued)

How Many Such Schools are There?

As early as 1979, the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies made a series of recommendations, one of which called for federal funding to develop 20 international high schools. These schools were to serve as national models and to offer intensive foreign language and cultural studies in addition to all regularly required courses. The primary purpose of such schools was to increase foreign language competence and to promote an international perspective in education. Today, of the more than 1,100 elementary and secondary magnet schools in the more than 130 school districts, the National Council on Foreign Languages and International Studies reports that 30 schools are specifically designated as Foreign Language and International Studies High Schools. In addition, there are several private schools with the same kinds of goals. A list of these can be obtained from the Global Perspectives Information Exchange Network. (See "Resources" list.)

The creation and maintenance of more language and international studies schools will not come from national trends, college pressure, or other impersonal forces, but from the intelligence, commitment, and interest of educators, parents, and local leaders.

The success of the concept does not depend on federal capitation grants or incentive funds. It builds on local ethnic concerns, world problems, and private corporate support within a community.

Resources

Global Perspectives in Education, Inc., 218 East 18th St., New York, NY 10003.

International Baccalaureate of North America, 680 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019.

National Council on Foreign Languages and International Studies, 605 3rd Ave., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10158.

For More Information

Blank, R.K. "The Effects of Magnet Schools on the Quality of Education in Urban School Districts." PHI DELTA KAPPAN 66(4) (1984):270-72.

Doyle, D.P., and M. Levine. "Magnet Schools and Quality in Public Education." PHI DELTA KAPPAN 66(4) (1984):265-70.

Gilliam, D. "The Glenbrook Academy: One Response to International Studies Imperatives." MODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL 66(4) (1982):396-400

Herron, C. "A Community Supported Foreign Language High School: The North Fulton Center for International Studies." MODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL 67(2) (1983):12-48.

Lipshy, E. HIGH SCHOOLS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES. President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies: Background Papers and Studies. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office (Stock No. 017-080-02070-0). ED 179 117.

Presidentsy Commission on Foreign Languages and International Schools. STRENGTH THROUGH WISDOM: A CRITIQUE OF U.S. CAPABILITY. 1979. ED 176 599.

Purves, A.C. (Ed.) NATIONAL SEMINAR ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS, PROCEEDINGS. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 1981.