Bringing the world’s schools to Springfield’s Schools
Thursday, April 18, 2013
3:40 - 5:30 p.m.
PSU 312
A partnership involving Springfield Public Schools (SPS), Springfield Sister Cities Association (SSCA) and the English Language Institute (ELI) provides important cross-cultural inter-connections for students from all backgrounds and grade levels. A longstanding partnership between SSCA and SPS now includes a new, vital partnership with ELI, which is advancing the promise of cultural competence by bringing large numbers of middle and high school students to Springfield from Isesaki, Japan. The result of these relationships includes increased cultural awareness for many young people in the schools. The nature and devices of these ongoing partnerships will be the focus of this panel discussion.
Session presenters
Dr. Robert G. Jones
Missouri State University
Dr. Robert G. Jones is professor of psychology at Missouri State University. He has more than 30 years experience in evaluation research and has a lifelong interest in changing people’s understanding of each other. His research and professional interests include bias in performance assessment and selection, emotive perception and inclusion, nepotism and ethical decision-making.
Dr. Jane Robison
Missouri State University
Dr. Jane Robison is the executive director of international enrollment management and the director of the English Language Institute (ELI) at Missouri State University, where each year more than 400 students utilize services to improve their English skills for academic and career success. In 2012, Dr. Robison helped MSU establish an agreement with Springfield Sister City Isesaki, Japan, to allow its high school graduates to study at MSU at a reduced tuition rate. Each summer the ELI hosts programs for Isesaki middle school students. In May, it will host 120 high school students for a Global Leadership Academy.
Cindy Jobe
Springfield Sister Cities Association
Cindy Jobe is community recreation services administrator and coordinator for Springfield Sister Cities Association, where she has been actively involved for 23 years. Jobe coordinates day-to-day operations for the organization and serves as event manager for all festivals. She is the “point person” for all exchanges between Springfield and its sister cities of Isesaki, Japan, and Tlaquepaque, Mexico.
Nancy Schneider
Springfield Public Schools