China Visit

What you need to know about China

China is communist in name only The Chinese like America very much and

not just for our money China has many environmental issues China is headed for a food crisis in the

coming decades It is an enormously powerful country with

huge economic and military might, but an uncertain political structure

There are HUGE discrepancies between eastern and western China and rural and urban life

The 21st Century will be a Global Century

"We have a responsibility to our children to prepare them for the demands of the 21st Century. Outdated structures and approaches in our high schools must be replaced with engaging, content-rich experiences that will enable our students to achieve at higher levels and to compete successfully in the world economy."

 Mark K. McQuillan Commissioner of Education

The old “basics” of reading, writing, and mathematics are still essential, but they are no longer sufficient. … Living and competing successfully in a global society and economy will require an understanding of our interconnectedness, collaboration and leadership skills, habits of personal and social responsibility, and adaptability to change. (CSDE Brochure: Connecticut

Secondary School Redesign)

Beijing

Jinan

What you need to know about education in China

Long history – over 2500 years Universal and a meritocracy Characterized by examinations Dichotomous – high achieving students,

but lacking the skills to be successful in international companies

Very artistic students Creativity of thought not as emphasized as

in America Large classes with subject-specific

teachers

Qufu

Introduction to Dongying

The Kids of Chen Yang School

School of 1800 students, Gr. 1-8 English instruction begins in Gr. 1 Live in a city of about 800,000 Class size 45-50 students Similar amount of time in class but a

very different schedule

Chen Yang classrooms

Second grade math work

Recess and Exercise

Math Lesson

Art Work

Reading Nooks

Our visit to Experiment Kindergarten

Experiment Kindergarten

Visit to the Friendship (You Ai) School

Communication Possibilities

Skype with the teachers of English Sharing of student work Exchanging art work and student

performances Continue pen pal relationships Develop e-mail pals Continued visits among the

partnership schools

Mutual Benefits

Shandong Improve instructional

practices Reflect upon effects of

current system on creativity and independent thinking

Develop opportunities to practice English

Region 17 Expand the world-view

of our students and staff

Learn about our interconnectedness

Begin to understand and be inspired by another culture

Reflect upon the effects of exam-based system on public education

“Our students graduating from high school are more likely than ever to have an international aspect to their career.”

George Coleman, CT Deputy Commissioner of Education

and supporter of the CT-Shandong Partnership