Continuing a series of international visits this year by those wanting to learn about successful Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) programs, a delegation of visitors from 22 countries met last week to learn about ways SCOE is leveraging technology to improve student outcomes. Discussions at the November 8 presentation involved trends in computer science and educational technology. Efforts to support digital learning in rural schools were also discussed.
Facilitated by SCOE’s College and Career Readiness department, the thoughtful discussions helped visitors share success stories from their countries while learning about SCOE’s own efforts. SCOE highlighted two of the computer science initiatives it helps to lead: the Small School Districts’ Association CS4NorCal Research Project and the California Department of Education Educator Workforce Investment Grant for Computer Science.
Discussion topics also included:
- career technical education and college dual-enrollment partnerships
- technology trends
- successful partnerships with private businesses and philanthropic organizations
- advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and how they have impacted student outcomes
- how teacher training and continuing education have helped educators leverage new technologies
Visitors were interested to learn that each state handles education differently in the U.S. with unique programs and processes. They were also eager to share information about the career technical education programs their countries have developed. The education experts represented Grenada, Botswana, Brazil, Burma, Burma, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Eritrea, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to exchange insights with our international guests and learn about the advancements and challenges in their countries related to computer science and educational technology,” said Jared Amalong, SCOE Director of Computer Science and Digital Learning. “It was an honor to highlight SCOE’s initiatives to enhance digital learning and empower students in Sacramento County.”
Friday’s visit was coordinated by the Sacramento office of Global Ties U.S., an organization that supports more than 80 members across the country in advancing peace and prosperity through international exchange. The visit was part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s flagship professional exchange program. Through short-term U.S. visits, IVLP connects foreign leaders with American counterparts, fostering dialogue on key issues like education, innovation, and digital transformation.
SCOE is supporting positive global change and mutual understanding by facilitating professional and educational exchanges like these. The opportunity to share information helps expand cultural fluency, breaks down barriers, and allows citizen diplomats to shape and advance foreign policy goals. In May, SCOE’s Reentry Program hosted a group of human rights advocates from Belarus for a program tour. In July, the program also hosted a group from the Philippines looking to learn ways to help reduce prison congestion.