In the past four years, fourteen Milwaukee Public Schools have integrated a revolutionary curriculum program, Untied Nations Schools of International Learning, established by a grant from a Greater Milwaukee Foundation donor who has spent a lifetime working for World Peace, World Law, and Peace Education. The program combines World Studies and Model United Nations at the elementary and middle school levels.
The participating schools - whose students speak 35 different languages, representing many cultures are - Burbank School, Garland School, Humboldt Park School, Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language, Parkview School, Story School, Zablocki School, Gilbert Stuart School, Marvin E. Pratt School, U.S. Grant School, Academy of Accelerated Learning and Victory K8, Milwaukee Italian Immersion School and Fernwood Montessori School, previously following Highland Montessori School Model UN curriculum.
Milwaukee Public Schools serve students from very diverse backgrounds including nationality, language and culture; these students are often English Language Learners and/or Refugees. MPS has been proud to lead this new district and National Initiative. The MPS United Nations Schools of International Learning benefits the next generation of our community as they learn about the world and all it has to offer, beginning with learning about the workings of the United Nations.
The first year of the program introduced global studies content and research skills in fourth and sixth grades, as well as launched the first UNSIL World Fair to showcase student research skills and projects. The UNSIL World Fair was held on March 20, 2017, at the Tripoli Shrine Center where the attendance of 1,149 students and adults came to support and learn about the student’s project-based successes. The second World Fair was held at the Brewers Stadium where 1,800 attended. The third UNSIL World Fair was held at the Panther Arena on April 11, 2019. 2,500 students, parents, teachers, community supporters, including UWM and MATC professors and members of the United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee participated in teaching and learning.
We are in our fourth year, charting new territory, as UNSIL strengthens and grows mindfully. The fourth UNSIL World Fair will be held at the Panther Arena on March 17, 2020; from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. Students will present their country of study to fellow participants, teachers, community volunteers, MPS school board members, and Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley.
The Program is designed to guide students to master critical academic skills such as research, writing, and presenting with a focus on world affairs and current events. In addition to learning about other countries, cultures, and international relationships, students gain experience in debate, negotiation, and conflict resolution - competencies that are transferrable to college and career. Looking through the lens of this common core state standards-based UN curriculum, students are able to achieve a new and diverse global perspective of things that affect the world in which they live.