What Does it Mean to be a 21st Century Global Citizen

From Region 15 Schools: Students enrolled in the courses Conversations on Race and Human Rights at Pomperaug High School (PHS) met with select students from Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Newtown High School, and Waterbury Career Academy High School to participate in a Regional Day of Discussion centered around the question, ‘What does it mean to be a global citizen in the 21st century?” Approximately 85 students from the four schools participated in the event that was developed and facilitated by the students from PHS under the guidance of PHS Social Studies teachers Stacy Clark and Mike Syrotiak.

The event began with a large group conversation on expectations and civil discourse. The students were then divided into six smaller groups designed to allow the students to share their own personal background experiences and influences and to then discuss the state of human rights in the nation and the state of race in the nation.

The purpose of the discussion groups was to provide students with varied backgrounds with a forum to discuss their views on current issues, hear various perspectives, to engage in civil discourse and ultimately determine how they can make a difference in today’s society. “We worked with the students to develop questions that would engage peers from other communities in thoughtful discourse about significant current events,” said Mike Syrotiak.

This event was culminating assessment for the students enrolled in Conversations on Race and Human Rights. These two courses were recently approved by the Region 15 BOE to align with the long-term goal that students will demonstrate the Region 15 learner expectations of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, innovation, global citizenship, and character.

“This event exemplifies the district’s commitment to 21 st century education and how the curriculum is aligned with teaching students global citizenship. This partnership with area schools provides students with opportunities to make thoughtful decisions based on multiple perspectives and to understand and act on issues of global significance,” said Dr. Carrie Chiappetta, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.

Image Via Region 15 Schools