I recently asked my newly-graduated son a question: "Why do ice cubes melt?" I had been thinking about my 9th grade science students working on a project that involved designing a container that would maintain an ice cube in its frozen state for as long as possible. My son thought a moment, then said with a laugh, "Because of the heat."

I've had hundreds of conversations with colleagues about what schools should be. It has proven to be a sure-fire way to engage in a lively discussion. So, that's what this blog entry is all about. Sign up, sign in, comment on this subject and add your voice to this subject on which everyone has an opinion. Tell us what you would do if you could start your own school! Anything education is permitted: Nothing is sacred.

It would seem not only likely but obvious that with the power of the internet, international schools would design a distance curriculum, not only to be accessed by their own students when on a family trip or in the hospital, for example, but to be able to recruit and enroll students world-wide who view the curriculum as compatible with their goals.

Submitted by john on November 22, 2006 - 21:42.

Submitted by john on November 16, 2006 - 15:35.

One of the criticisms of private international schools is that they are often very discriminatory in their acceptance policies. In particular, students with special needs, either cognitive or physical, have been barred from entering certain international schools.

The question: "Do international schools have a moral obligation to accept differently-abled students?"

We welcome your input on this issue. Please sound off!
John

There has been much discussion about the role of international schools in the 21st century. In the past fifty years, the number of international schools has soared, and reflect more accurately the state of our global community. Now much more than "American," "British," or other single nationality schools, these institutions better serve the diverse populations who enter their doors. But have they evolved enough?

As our world shrinks due to leaps in technology, in a growing global economy, international education becomes ever more important. I invite anyone who accesses this blog to propose topics for discussion. We welcome your input, and hope to create a dynamic iteachnet forum for all who are interested in, or have a stake in, international education.

John Stiles
Science Curriculum Consultant

Johnston, Iowa USA