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From http://blogs.edweek.org/

In this recent blog post, Melissa Liles writes, “Over the past decade, we educators have grappled with defining and assessing the most critical education goals for the 21st century:

•    Science, technology, engineering, math? Check.
•    Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making? Of course.
•    Intercultural awareness, foreign languages, competence in working across borders, and respect for other cultures? Really? Tell me more...

There is broad agreement that the first two sets of goals above will be crucial for the decades ahead. But many still aren't convinced about the importance of intercultural competence for 21st century learners.

Fernando M. Reimers, Harvard Professor, Connie Chung, Harvard Research Program Director, and their co-authors address this disconnect between what is taught and what critical skills and competencies are needed in the world today—and tomorrow—in their latest book, Teaching and Learning for the Twenty-First Century: Educational Goals, Policies, and Curricula from Six Nations.

…Bottom line according to Reimers and colleagues? "The development of global competence is a necessity for all students in the 21st century."

Read the full blog post for practical and effective ideas for introducing intercultural learning in your school: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/global_learning/2016/10/how_to_integrate_intercultural_learning_into_your_classroom.html