Ms. Kagan and Ms. Stewart, guest editors of this special section, present a discussion of the need to strengthen international education in American schools. Noting the gap between American students' international knowledge and skills and those they will need to effectively navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the editors sound a call not only to promote international education in our schools but to rethink the intent of education in the 21st century. Increasing global interdependence, though a dominant feature of our age, has, until recently, been a neglected aspect of American education reform. What many know intuitively -- but have not dared to admit -- is that American students' knowledge of other countries, cultures, and languages has not begun to keep pace with the escalating importance of this knowledge to our nation's economic prosperity and national security. Through the articles gathered for this spedial section, critical issues in international education are brought to the attention of Kappan readers. In the first part of this special section, the issues are examined from several different perspectives. Then two educators, Ted Sanders and Vivien Stewart, provide an overview of new developments around the U.S., highlighting approaches to international education that some schools and states are already taking and exploring what state and national policies are needed to build capacity. The second part of this special section takes stock of how well American education is preparing students for the global age. The special section concludes with a guide to organizations and resources that support international education.