WHEREAS, the Birmingham International Center promotes mutual understanding between cultures through international education programs, country spotlights, and services to Alabama and international communities; and

WHEREAS, the Birmingham International Center has been a leader in international education for the state of Alabama since 1950; and

WHEREAS, the Birmingham International Center was selected to host a delegation of distinguished scholars from Russia to observe and learn from our educational system at the city, county, and state levels; and

WHEREAS, this study is sponsored by the Academy for Educational Development and the Open World Program; and

WHEREAS, the Russian delegation is in attendance at today’s Alabama State Board of Education meeting:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend the Birmingham International Center, the Academy for Educational Development, and the Open World Program for providing this opportunity for international understanding of public education in Alabama, and does hereby welcome the distinguished educators of the Russian delegation to the United States, to Alabama, and to the Alabama State Board of Education meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the members of the Alabama State Board of Education do hereby look forward to an exciting and interesting exchange of ideas and information with our Russian guests.

Done this 11th day of December 2008.