Your Name and Title: Katie Mussachio, English/High School Master Teacher
School or Organization Name: International Connections Academy
Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: United States
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s): Teachers and Students
Short Session Description (one line):
“Around the World in 60 Minutes" events provide a format for students to assemble together from all corners of the world.
Full Session Description (as long as you would like):
"Around the World in 60 Minutes" events are truly busting borders for the K-12 students at virtual private school International Connections Academy. At each event, a handful of students create a presentation about where they live, and present it in a synchronous LiveLesson® online assembly in front of the student body. Students compile pictures, videos, music and information about the food, art, entertainment, lifestyles, and language of their corner of the world.
After all of the presentations, there is the opportunity for questions and the students connect to each other even more. “What is your favorite snack?” one student asks of presenters. A synchronized “Ewwww” comes from the audience when the student from Djibouti elaborates on cheese product from a tin can. International Connections Academy served students from 48 states and 44 countries during the 2014-2015 school year. With so much distance between the students, it is important that the school community is dedicated to busting boundaries.
International Connections Academy graduated 81 high school seniors from more than seven countries and 28 states in 2015. Students in the graduating Class of 2015 exceeded SAT and ACT national averages and its AP scores exceeded the global average. Students experienced a 100 percent graduation rate, a 100 percent college acceptance rate, and earned more than $2.7 million in scholarships. Three students graduated with dual diploma degrees, 15 students earned a GPA of 4.0 or above, and the valedictorian earned the highest GPA, 4.6, in the school’s history. In addition to college plans, approximately 10 percent of grads will pursue performing arts or athletic careers, and 23 percent will attend vocational schools, enter the military, start careers or pursue other passions.
Through the award-winning “Around the World” events, the students realize just how unique each of them are and at the same time how similar. They each have their hopes, dreams, families, friends, and traditions. The “Around the World” program encourages students to embrace other cultures and celebrate one another. This program has a lasting impact on their understanding of the world, beyond anything students could glean from a textbook or class lecture.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:
Katie Mussachio-Busting Boundaries-DILA 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dra9UnLdCsU
A Closer Look at Online Private Schooling with International Connections Academy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4h1dJ-KAug
International Connections Academy: http://www.internationalconnectionsacademy.com/private-school/home.aspx
Replies