COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 252

October 10, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	International Education Week: November 17-21, 2008

I am pleased to recognize November 17-21, 2008, as International Education Week. The Virginia Department of Education encourages all educators to visit the International Education Week 2008 Web site that is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education at http://iew.state.gov.

The increased interdependency of nations and people requires that our K-12 instructional program reinforce and augment international knowledge, and the Commonwealth of Virginia clearly recognizes the importance of this crucial goal. I encourage all educators to assume responsibility for ensuring that Virginia’s young people are prepared for today’s interconnected world. If you have any questions or comments regarding International Education Week, please send them to feedback@state.gov.

Another Web site, Global Learning, provided by the Virginia Department of Education, combines links to many international organizations, information about international education, and lesson plans designed for the Standards of Learning. It is available at http://globallearning.pwnet.org.

For more information, please contact Dr. Beverly Thurston, coordinator, history, social sciences and international education, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at beverly.thurston@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-2893.

PIW/BT/yba