What is the School of Global Education?
The School of Global Education has been operating successfully as a school-within-a school since 1977 with national and international recognition. Located at Livonia's Stevenson High School, its goal is to help students understand what is going on in their worldfrom Livonia to China, and to prepare students for the challenges of living in an age of globalization. The Global Education program does this in many ways.
A primary emphasis is on the curriculum. The School of Global Education offers a four-year curriculum in Language Arts and Social Studies, open to any interested student who may wish to apply for enrollment. The curriculum offered in the Global Education program is both exciting and challenging, designed to prepare students for the rigors of a university education. It is strongly recommended that students who select Global Education should be at or above reading level for their respective grade.
Global Education is an interdisciplinary approach to cultural, political, scientific and economic issues, in an arrangement different from what is offered in the tradition Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum. It seeks to promote an understanding of the values and priorities of the many cultures in the world, and of our American foreparents.
Involving students in the community is an integral part of the program and is in keeping with our motto to “Think Globally, Act Locally.” Students participate in a variety of cultural and ethnic encounters throughout the year and present their experiences through written, oral and creative projects. Some attend the Mid-American Model United Nations (MAMUN) conference each spring to gain additional insight and understanding about the politics of the international community. Others participate in the Stevenson Intramural Model UN, a format that emulates the workings of the Security Council. Throughout their four years in Global Education, our students are encouraged to become active in their community through service projects and by donating their time to charitable causes. Internationally, we are also involved with the Invisible Children project through our adopted school in Uganda, and with ORBIS (The flying eye hospital). Community service hours are part of the requirement for the senior research project.
The operation of the school is under the direction of the Global Education teaching staff and administrative team at Stevenson High School, supported by a very dedicated Parents Association. Students who remain in the program have the opportunity to develop close friendships and a strong support system to help them through their four years of high school. Out-of-school activities and field trips contribute to the friendly atmosphere and the chance to make new friends.
The interdisciplinary approach used in the School of Global Education promotes a better understanding of both the past and the present world and offers guideposts to the future. It is our hope that such an approach to education, with its global focus on humanity, will help lessen the fear and suspicion in tomorrow’s world.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Global Education meet the requirements for graduation?
A. Yes, the courses in the School of Global Education fulfill requirements in
English and social studies.
Q. Does the program prepare students for college?
A. Absolutely. Our curriculum was submitted for review to both the University of Michigan and
Michigan State University. Among the many accolades it received was this statement: “Any
student who does well in this program would be advantaged in admission to college.” Last year,
more than 90% of our graduates were admitted to colleges and universities.
Q. Can Global Education students participate in extracurricular activities?
A. Yes, many students take part in sports, choir, band and orchestra, clubs, plays, career center and in
positions such as class officers and student leaders.
Q. Can students take electives?
A. Yes, students are encouraged to take electives to fulfill their total credit requirement for
graduation.
Q. Do Global Education students have homework?
A. Yes, just like regular school.
Q. MUST you go on overseas trips?
A. No, they are offered outside of the school curriculum and are not sponsored by the school system.
Q. When can students enroll in Global Education?
A. Usually students register to start in their freshman year. At the end of the ninth grade, students already
in attendance at Stevenson may make application to the program and begin in the fall semester of
tenth grade. No students are admitted to the program after the first semester of tenth grade.
Q: Can students leave the program?
A. Yes, but only at the end of the school year, in June, since the scope and sequence of the Global
Education curriculum does not match that of regular Language Arts and Social Studies classes. Once
a student leaves the program, they may not be readmitted.
Q. Do I have to study a foreign language?
A. While foreign languages are not taught within the School of Global Education, it is highly recommended that global
education students study a foreign language in high school. Students may choose from Spanish, French, German or
Japanese.
Curriculum of the School of Global Education
SEQUENCE 1 WORLD LITERATURE AND WORLD HISTORY
English:Development of language, writing, and communication (including basic composition,
speaking, and research skills); mythology, the beginnings of drama, and the creative process.
Social Studies:Within a framework of World History, an introduction to archaeology, sociology,
geography, anthropology, psychology, economics and political science.
These courses are taken in conjunction and must be taken together for the entire year.
Students may not leave the program mid-year, except in cases of academic misplacement.
______
SEQUENCE 2 AMERICAN LITERATURE AND AMERICAN HISTORY
English:American literature and the development of the novel, short story, poetry, and drama.
Writing skills development and optional creative writing opportunities.
Social Studies:American pluralism in history, native and immigrant trends, and foreign policy.
These courses are taught in conjunction and must be taken together for the entire year.
Students may not leave the program mid-year, except in cases of academic misplacement.
SEQUENCE 3 MODERN LITERATURE AND US/GOVERNMENT/ECONOMICS
English:Contemporary world literature, trends and notable authors. New directions in drama,
the novel, poetry, and nonfiction, science fiction, and futurism. Writing skills in research and rhetoric.
Social Studies:Studies in American and comparative governments. Introduction to political philosophers. Examines major global political and economic issues including resource use, population, globalization, interdependence, and futurism.
These courses are taught in conjunction and must be taken together for the entire year. Any student who leaves this sequence at the semester must enroll in both an economics class and government class to complete the requirements for both courses.
______
SEQUENCE 4 - ENGLISH 4
A year-long course that has, as its focus, the Senior Research Project and presentation.
Students will research an issue that has global, national and local implications. This project has several components including a written paper, community
service hours and an oral presentation. All portions of the Research project must be
successfully completed in order to receive academic credit. Students will also study
a variety of literature, including plays, novels and short stories related to global issues.
The second semester focus shifts to instruction in the theory and physiology of speech, f ollowed by application in public speaking, debate, oral and written critiques of public speakers and preparation to participate fully in the model United Nations. Students will also complete their Senior Research project that was begun in Semester 1, including the balance of their community service hours and oral presentation. Students will also study several pieces of literature related to global issues. The final exam is the oral presentation of their project before a panel of staff members.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
This year-long course is taken in conjunction with the English 4 class. Students will study and evaluate the workings of international organizations, diplomacy, law and politics, as well as the changing role of the United States in world affairs. This course will rely upon historical examples to help students analyze and understand current events as they occur.
The final exam is the oral presentation of the Senior Research Project completed in conjunction with the Global English 4 class.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Global Education program is a very challenging curriculum.
It is strongly recommended that students be reading at or above reading levels for their
respective grade.