DCPS Goes Global: Insights from Research on K-12 Study Abroad

• In Event: Pro Bono Education Research Service Projects (ERSPs): AERA's ERSP Initiative

Abstract

In 2016, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) launched an innovative global education program, sending 380 8th and 11th grade students and 44 educators overseas on fully funded study abroad experiences, with plans underway to send 500 students abroad in the summer 2017. While other U.S. districts and schools have provided some study abroad opportunities, DCPS study abroad is a unique initiative given its scale, provided funding, and focus on enhancing equity by targeting all students to study abroad regardless of socio-economic status, gender, or ethnic background. In support of DCPS goals and needs, the PI serves as the lead researcher conducting annual case studies to determine the impacts of the study abroad experience on student engagement, learning, and civic identity or worldview. This project will provide support for the 2017 case study. Key aspects of this work include: 1) designing, developing and implementing an annual study of the DCPS study abroad program; 2) providing syntheses of research relevant to the DCPS Global Education Advisory Committee; and 3) disseminating results of the research to help inform future DCPS global education initiatives and address a notable gap in studies of global education and study abroad among secondary school students.

Authors

• Laura Christine Engel, The George Washington University

• Russel Clark Boothby, The George Washington University

• Heidi Gibson, The George Washington University