More states, districts, and schools are inserting terms such as global competence, into school, mission and vision statements.The mission statement of the U.S. Department of Education reads, "Our mission is to promote students' achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access" (U.S. Department of Education, 2017) 

Incorporating the SDGs into classrooms does not make traditional content taught in school any less important. To be globally competent, students need to write and speak purposefully, be scientifically and mathematically literate, understand history, appreciate the arts, and be able to use technology. Adding a global perspective to the disciplines engage students more deeply in their learning and result in better outcomes overall. 

Students live in a world that is volatile, and complex dealing with uncertainties such as the global pandemic; repeated news of school shootings; fears that parents or loved ones will be incarcerated or deported. Students cannot check the baggage they carry with them at the door. Finding ways to incorporate the SDGs in our schools provides students with the foundation to be the change they want to see in their own communities and the wider world.