Global education gathering already in the works for '08

Charlotte Observer / May 4, 2007

With about 150 people attending an inaugural international education conference in Charlotte last week, organizers are already planning next year's event because of the interest.

The International Education Conference, sponsored by the British American School of Charlotte in the Ballantyne area, drew international speakers and attendees who work in public and private schools, organizer Kendria Sweet said. The aim of the two-day event was to discuss ways to keep U.S. children competitive in the global environment, as well as raise their awareness of the importance of being good global citizens.

"Kids are so much more in touch because of the Internet and the ability to connect with the world in a broad way," Sweet said.

"The world is evolving into a more open place where there aren't any boundaries, especially with learning. Students are going to expect this now. They want to know what's going on in the world," she said.

The British American School of Charlotte, the fifth such school to open in the United States, provides British education for children of all nationalities. The school opened in September 2004 and enrolls students ages 3-13.

This year's International Education Conference was held at TIAA-CREF, in University Research Park in northeast Charlotte. A location is still being finalized for the 2008 conference, scheduled for May 1-2, Sweet said. Details: www.ieccharlotte.com.