Invitation

Indiana’s Educational Partnership with France
Friday, February 9, 2007
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Indiana Department of Education
151 West Ohio Street
(317) 234-2375 (Caterina Blitzer)
(317) 232-6610 (reception)

Hosted by

• Anne-Emmanuelle Grossi, Cultural attaché, director of education, Consulate of France
• Caterina Cregor Blitzer, Coordinator of International Education, IDOE
  

Background

In 2005, Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction, signed an historic educational exchange agreement with France that is resulting in several programs aimed at helping Indiana students studying French language and culture achieve at a high academic level. Indiana’s partner is the Academy of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France, located in the Alsace region which borders Germany and Switzerland. Several major Indiana educational institutions and businesses have a presence and relationships in Alsace, including Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana University and IUPUI.

The agreement outlines programs that promote exchanges, relationships and partnerships between schools in Indiana and in the Alsace region. Since 2005, 14 Indiana schools have been linked with a partner school in France, thanks to the efforts of Richard Wentzel, Project Leader for English-speaking countries at the International Relations Department of the Académie de Strasbourg, and Kristin Hoyt, formerly World Languages Coordinator for the Indiana Department of Education. The French teachers at the Indiana schools are key leaders in helping their students create a channel of communication with students in France. Beginning with email correspondence and continuing with in-person exchange visits, these relationships help our Indiana students experience the benefits of international education and exchange as they improve their mastery of French.

The IDOE and our partners in France wish to engage more Indiana schools, students and teachers of French and community partners in these mutually beneficial programs.

Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions
• Update on School to School linkages
• Resources and programs available for Indiana teachers of French

**************************************************************

RSVP to Caterina Blitzer. IDOE will reimburse school districts for substitute pay to enable participation by the participating teacher of French.