Choices 2013
"Choices for the 21st Century Education Program," developed at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, is now used by 7,500 secondary schools across the nation. A key part of the World Affairs Council’s International Education Program, materials from Choices are compatible with the Texas Education Agency’s "Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills" (TEKS). The program seeks to empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and participatory habits to be engaged citizens who are capable of addressing international issues through thoughtful public discourse and informed decision making.
Twice a year, the World Affairs Council will host workshops for teachers based on the Choices curriculum – day-long sessions aimed at helping teachers incorporate historical and current international issues into their lesson plans. Teachers receive printed curriculum and online supplements for each lesson, including maps, graphic organizers, audio and video clips, memoirs, articles, recommended websites and further reading – all ready to be used in the classroom. The Choices materials are concise, accessible and very up-to-date, with most published in the last two or three years. In addition, certain topical subjects are covered in online lessons to stay right on top of the latest current events.