The Academy for Global Studies is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year.
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A Community of Learners
Mission
AGS values all students’ unique talents and encourages and challenges students to become intellectually curious, world language proficient, internationally aware and globally responsive.
Vision
The Academy for Global Studies engages students in an educational experience that fosters international understanding and welcomes diversity of thought, while preparing students for a globally interconnected world.
Profile of an International Studies Schools Network (ISSN) High School Graduate
Program Description
The Academy for Global Studies (AGS) is a program within Austin High School, providing an internationally focused and academically challenging curriculum to a close-knit community of learners. Students undertake a course of study that highlights the interrelatedness and connections among world regions that combine to shape our increasingly global society. Students explore cultural traditions both on the world and local scales, while undertaking a rigorous course load of both pre-AP and AP courses. AGS is a member of the International Studies Schools Network, a national network of schools that share a common Graduate Profile.
The mission of AGS is to foster international understanding and diversity of thought while preparing students for a globally interconnected world.
Course of Study
Students undertake a minimum of 11 pre-Advanced Placement and 5 Advanced Placement core courses throughout the four years in AGS, with many students exceeding these limits. Core courses within AGS are taught via an interdisciplinary team instructional method and feature project-based assessment. The heart of the program is the academic core courses themselves , which are cross curricular, and emphasize global citizenship, problem solving and cooperative groups.
Program Endorsement for Class of 2012
In addition to meeting all of the requirements for the Texas Recommended diploma, set by the state of Texas, AGS students are asked to complete additional requirements in order to meet the mission and graduate profile of the school. Students must complete the following in order to earn the AGS Endorsement.
- 4 years of credit in a single world language other than English
- 45 hours of community service
- Capstone course and project
- Comprehensive portfolio of work
View the AGS Endorsement Requirements
Program Highlights
Project Based Learning
Students primary form of assessment centers on independent and group projects tied to the 4 Pillars of Global Leadership: Investigate the World, Recognize Perspectives, Communicate Ideas and Take Action.
Student Showcase of Work
Students present interactive portfolios of their work to outside professionals for authentic feedback.
Teach for a Day
Students prepare and teach a lesson on a topic of international importance, to middle school students, thereby honing both problem solving and effective communication skills, as they advocate for global awareness.
Learning Expeditions
Students participate in curricular based travel, involving local, in-state, out of state and out of country trips. Students conduct independent research, experience authentic living conditions, interact with local people, and engage in service learning. Examples include, the Global Village simulation at Heifer Ranch in Arkansas, a visit to the indigenous Bri Bri people of Costa Rica, and primary research at various international embassies, government organizations and NGO’s in Washington D.C.
Global Leadership Performance Outcomes