TEXT OF LETTER FROM ROD PAIGE, SECRETARY OF EDUCATION,
TO U.S. SUPERINTENDENTS

August 25, 2003

Dear Superintendent:

This year, we are celebrating the fourth annual International Education Week, from November 17 to 21, 2003. International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of Education and State. As in the past, I have written to principals in schools across our nation to invite them to encourage their teachers and students to promote international awareness and international education skills. I hope that you will support these efforts.

Last year, during International Education Week 2002, I announced an important policy directive that I hope would encourage international education in our schools. The policy directive has four parts. First, I charged the U.S. Department of Education with broadening its focus and becoming more engaged in building international relationships. Second was the call to expand our efforts to learn from other countries about techniques and practices that will help us improve our own system of education. Third, I directed that we provide leadership in education issues in appropriate international forums and settings, and work with appropriate partners in the international education community on initiatives of common benefit. Fourth, and perhaps most importantly for schools around our nation, I said that we need to put the "world" back into "world-class" education. In other words, we must do a better job of exposing our students to other languages, cultures, and challenges outside our borders. International education is for everyone and no child should be left behind.

We have all raised the bar for academic achievement in our schools, particularly in reading, math and science. That does not mean that there is no room to teach international education skills. International education can be integrated into the curriculum as a matter of course. In reading or literature classes, students should be reading stories by and about people in other countries. In history, science, and social studies classes, students can learn about our country's relationship with other nations. In schools with dual language immersion programs, students often study some of their math and science in their target language. Music or P.E. could also be taught in the target language.

I hope you will join me in celebrating International Education Week 2003. For information about International Education Week, and for general information about international education activities and programs at the U.S. Department of Education, please visit www.ed.gov/international. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you, your teachers and their students have a rewarding experience.

Sincerely,

Rod Paige