International Dimensions of Education. Position Paper and Recommendations for Action, November 1985.

Overview & Synopsis

This statement includes the Council of Chief State School Officer's (CCSSO) position on the international dimensions of education and presents a series of proposed action steps. The international dimensions of education are fourfold: (1) the capacity to communicate in languages other than English; (2) understanding of other nations, cultures, and people; (3) the capacity to compare educational systems across national boundaries; and (4) the exchange of educational practices. The recommendations are directed at the CCSSO, federal agencies, state education agencies, local education agencies, and colleges and universities. Among the recommendations are the following: the CCSSO should provide leadership in improving the quality of second language study and the teaching of international education; federal agencies should strengthen the international education capacities in the U.S. Department of Education programs through mission statements addressing cross-national studies; state education agencies should work with state boards of education to establish policy statements improving and expanding the international dimensions of education; local education agencies should support programs designed to strengthen second language study and international education; college and universities should establish second language requirements for admission. (SM)