INTERNATINAL VISITOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
RELIGIOUS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
Saudi Arabia
These visitors are invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program.
State Department Program Officer: Ms. Colleen Fleming; telephone: (202) 453-8608; email:
Program Arrangements by MeridianInternationalCenter:
Program team:Mr. Henry Collins and Mr. Frank Justice, 1624 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009;telephone: (202) 939-5896 or (202) 667-6670; toll-free: (800) 424-2974 fax: (202) 319-1306; email: or
Accompanied By: U.S. InterpretersTBD
August 19 – September 9, 2006
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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Ms. Reem Shariedh A. ALAMEERI
Social Worker,AlamalHospital and Religious Activist
Ms. Sadia Jama M. ALAHMED
Supervisor, Ministry of Education
Ms. Bassma Adnan A. ALSEYOFI
Supervisor, Training and Scholarship Administration, Ministry of Education
Ms. Zainab Mohsen M. ALIBRAHIM
Supervisor, Ministry of Education
Ms. Nawal Saeed A. ALGHAMDI
Islamic Education Teacher, Ministry of Education
Ms. Sabikah Abdulkarim A. ALWOHAYEB
Psychologist and Religious Activist
Ms. Sarah Hilal A. HABLAS
Student, Languages Department, KingAbdulazizUniversity
This program will introduce participants to the nature of secondary and post-secondary public, private and religious education in the United States, with an emphasis on educational policies and institutions for women and girls. It will examine both public and private institutionstheir operations, philosophy, structure, and their relationship to their surrounding communities. While discussions with academic officials and faculty will predominate, opportunities will be created for interaction with students and with citizens in a variety of fields.
The project will explore the following themes:
- The role of government in higher education policies and operations responsibilities of state and federal government
- Diversity of approaches to secondary education – role of states and local government, lack of “national” curriculum
- Differences between public and private institutions accreditation, operations, funding, curriculum development
- Equality of opportunity between religious and public institutions – access by students in academic marketplace of ideas
- Religion as a focus of academic scholarship – examination of teaching in non-Islamic institutions
- Classroom practices – advances in instructional methodology, use of field trips and instructional technology
- Teacher training– nature of formal academic training and in-school professional development programs
- Religious diversity in the U.S. contributions by many faith traditions to mosaic of American culture and society
- Volunteer and interfaith community service activitiesinculcation of civic values through academic and community-service activities
The program will be supplemented by attendance at cultural events and exposure to some of the country’s tourist and scenic attractions. Home hospitality will be offered.
As of 24 July 06