With school supply lists coming out and stores stocking their shelves for the inevitable August rush it is easy to see why my mind is on education. I came across this unique and exciting classroom opportunity and I had to blog about it.

This week’s pick: The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is offering Challenge 20/20 an internet-based program which will pair classes at any K-12 grade level in U.S. schools with their counterpart classes in other countries. The challenge comes in working together towards solving actual global problems with responses that can be tried at the local level.

Public, private and charter schools may apply and they do not have to be NAIS members to participate. You may apply with schools in other countries with which you already have a partnership or apply with an issue of interest and have NAIS select a partner.

The deadline to submit an online application for the 2009-2010 Challenge is August 17, 2009. You will need to create a registration to access application materials but an online brochure and other details can be found by clicking here.