Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, November 6, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Global and Cultural Studies – Air Force JROTC

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Initiative: The Global and Cultural Studies course was initiated by the Air Force JROTC because it was determined for a cadet to become a better citizen they need to know what is happening in the world.

Goals: This initiative has two goals. The first goal is to develop cadet interest and understanding in the history, culture, politics, and economics of six hotspots in the world. The second goal is to enhance the cadets ability to analyze the complex interdependency of international relationships.

Targeted Population: This initiative is designed for cadets that are juniors or seniors and have had some background in history and geography. It is currently being taught in all six of our Air Force JROTC programs currently at Blake, Bloomingdale, Durant, Jefferson, Middleton, and Plant.

Timeline: The course is currently in year two. Last year it was piloted in 55 schools nationally, including 2 high schools in Hillsborough County – Bloomingdale and Durant. All six of our AFJROTC programs have fully implemented the Global and Cultural Studies course.

Staff Development: Highly qualified Hillsborough County AFJROTC instructors participated in a 2-week training conducted by the Air Force. Following the pilot, feedback was provided to the Air Force about the acceptance of the course by the cadets. Instructional updating is continuous via online updates and sharing of ideas among instructors.

Transferability: The lessons are transferable to other programs and courses within the district and textbooks have been made available to the Social Studies department. Skills and concepts learned by the cadets are transferable to other high school and postsecondary courses.

Involvement: Letters were sent to parents regarding the course’s nature and graphic depictions of current and past world events. Parents are invited to share personal information with the classes in the areas of study, and fellow teachers who may come from these hotspots are also invited to share information.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The district is responsible for 50% of the instructors’ salary; all curriculum materials and instructor training is paid for by the Air Force.

EVALUATION

Student questionnaires and surveys were used with positive feedback. The curriculum implementation results in an increase in student vocabulary, math skills, and reading comprehension as demonstrated by pre- and post-assessments.

SUBMITTED BY: James Dieringer, District Resource Teacher, JROTC

Pamela Campbell-Peralta
General Director, Career and Technical Education
(813) 231-1860
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20071106_269 * Section B Item# 1