Opening global doors
New State Department protocols make international field trip decisions easier, more precise
Changes to how the U.S. Department of
State assesses and communicates travel risk
to American citizens may prove to be a benefit
for students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
by expanding international field trips in some
countries
The new protocols, announced in January,
are more precise than the old ones. Instead of
identifying risk by region, it’s now done country
by country. This means that if Germany has
a terrorism event, all of Europe is no longer
classified as too risky to visit. In addition, the
department has added a fourth classification
that addresses the possibility of moderate risk.
Countries are classified as a 1 (use normal travel
precautions); a 2 (exercise increased caution);
a 3 (reconsider travel), or a 4 (do not travel). The new system also includes
coding to explain a particular risk indicator, showing if it’s crime, terrorism,
civil unrest, health or other issues.
“The new system is much more granular,” said Michele L. Henriquez, a
district specialist in global studies who tracks students’ international trips
during the school year. “Now they are focusing on individual countries, rather
than the entire region.”
The new State Department policy required CMS to adjust its district
one. The district adjusted its travel policy in early February after discussion
between Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Chief Academic Officer Brian
Schultz, Kathy Elling, associate superintendent, school performance, and
Henriquez.
“After closely reviewing the new protocols, we have developed a district
wide policy of no travel to countries classified as a 3 or a 4. A country
classified as a 1 is no problem; we’ll allow travel
to countries classified as a 2 so long as parents
are informed and have agreed to it,” Henriquez
said. “We want parents involved in all decisions
involving their children but this one is particularly
important to communicate clearly. Parents can
also access the State Department site directly to
see for themselves.”
The State Department list of countries and
their risk classifications can be viewed here.
CMS international travel is governed by district
standards that link it closely to instructional goals.
However, individual trips are typically proposed
and arranged by schools. Once district approval
has been given, the schools work with either an
outside agency or through an exchange program
to set up the travel plans.
Countries that CMS students will visit during February through April of
this year include Germany, France, Costa Rica, Peru, Italy, Panama, Canada
and Spain. Germany, France, Italy and Spain have a State Department risk
classification of 2; the others are a 1. CMS students have completed field
trips in September and October (before the new policies) to Argentina and
China.
Trips are usually from eight to 15 days. Overall, there are 12-15
international field trips each year, Henriquez said. But she expects that
number to rise with the new policies from the State Department and the
district.
“We might see more activity,” she said. “The doors seem to be open
again.”
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