BOONE—Appalachian State University has been selected to host two groups of Egyptian educators who will participate in a 15-day, short-term study tour to learn about comprehensive school reform models used in the United States.

The first group of 21 Egyptian educators will arrive in Boone on Dec. 1, while a second group of 21 educators will travel to Boone in early April 2008.

Appalachian is one of three institutions across the United States selected to host the group. The project is funded by a $213,652 grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Academy for Educational Development (AED).

According to Jesse Lutabingwa, associate vice chancellor for international education and development at Appalachian, the goal of the program is to expose the educators to various school reform models in the United States.

North Carolina has a strong support for and a focus on standard-based reform, primarily driven by the School-Based Management and Accountability Program of 1995 (the ABCs of Public Education) and the Excellent Schools Act of 1997. Additionally, the North Carolina State Board of Education is committed to addressing the achievement gaps among students.

The Egyptians’ visit will serve a dual purpose, according to Lutabingwa. “In addition to learning about the various models of school reform, their presence in our area will further enhance our commitment to assisting area schools in their internationalization efforts,” he said.

While in North Carolina, the Egyptians will visit Watauga High School and Parkway Elementary School in Watauga County; Chesterfield Elementary School in Burke County; Caldwell Early College High School in Caldwell County; North Carolina Virtual Public School; North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics; and Farmington Woods Elementary School (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program) and Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School in Wake County.

“The staff and students at Parkway are looking forward to our day with the Egyptian educators. We hope to learn from each other as we compare cultures and education programs,” said Billie Hicklin, principal at Parkway Elementary School. “Our seventh grade social studies classes are most excited about this opportunity to make a personal connection with people from Egypt.”

The Egyptians’ visit comes a few months after a Jordanian educator and a group of Pakistani educators spent time in area schools, including Watauga High School. “I hope that their visit to our school will initiate professional contacts that we can foster,” said Angela Quick, principal at Watauga High School who will host the Egyptian educators at her school. “I am excited about the opportunity to share my experiences and learn about the education system in Egypt.”

Larry Putman, principal at Chesterfield Elementary School, says the experience will benefit the entire Chesterfield Elementary School community. “For many of the students, parents and teachers, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with educators from another culture. Having this opportunity will hopefully break down stereotypes on both sides, showing that schools, no matter where they are located, share a common goal: the success of students.”

The Egyptians will meet with officials at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction who are responsible for supporting schools in implementing their comprehensive school reforms.

The Egyptian educators will also spend time with Appalachian students who are planning careers in K-12 education.

“Personal interactions with international educators can be a powerful experience for our prospective teachers as they develop a greater understanding of and sensitivity to global perspectives,” said Pamela W. Schram, director of the Appalachian Teaching Fellows Program.

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