Pre-Conference School Visits
District of Columbia metropolitan area schools

Pre-Conference Session
Promoting Chinese Teacher, Learner and Curriculum Standards: Three Milestones of Hanban
Description

Gaston Caperton, President, the College Board
Bio

Vivien Stewart, Vice President, Education, Asia Society
Bio | Remarks

Rush Holt, U.S. Representative (New Jersey) Bio

Xu Lin, Director General, The Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) Bio

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Plenary II: China's Role in the Global Age: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

In building students’ global competence, why is it important to consider the study of Chinese language and culture? What have been China’s contributions to the world civilization? What is China’s role in the global economy? What are the implications of its growing influence in world affairs? How can we, as educators, raise students ’ awareness about China and better prepare them for the future? Professor Harry Harding will offer insights about China’s role in the world both in the past and in the present. Vivien Stewart will discuss the implication of these global trends. She will also share with the audience lessons learned from international education benchmarking studies and major initiatives to internationalize our schools.

James M. Montoya, Vice President, The College Board

Harry Harding, Professor and Former Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University
bio | remarks

Vivien Stewart, Vice President, Asia Society
bio | presentation

Gene Wilhoit, Executive Director, the Council of Chief State School Officers (Moderator)
Bio

Susan Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction for Ohio
Bio

Erik Paulsen, State Representative of Minnesota
Bio

Robert Davis, Jr., Director, Chicago Public Schools' Chinese language initiative and Confucius Institute in Chicago
Bio

Plenary IV: The Importance of US-China Relations

In her introductory remarks, Dr. Vishakha Desai will talk about the rise of Asia and the importance of promoting understanding and building a shared future among Asians and Americans. Ambassador Zhou will deliver a speech on U.S.-China Relations and the importance of studying Chinese language and culture. Dr. Gee will discuss the role of higher education in fostering international understanding and building ties between the U.S. and China. The distinguished speakers will inspire school leaders to create programs that will open youngsters’ minds and help sustain U.S.-China relations on the school level.

After the speeches, Dr. You Shaozhong, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy to the United States, will welcome the audience to enjoy delicious hors d ’ oeuvres, as they mingle with the educational staff of the Chinese Embassy, session presenters, and fellow educators.

Introduction by Vishakha N. Desai, President, Asia Society
Bio

His Excellency Zhou Wenzhong, Ambassador of China
Bio | Remarks

E. Gordon Gee, President, the Ohio State University
Bio

Embassy Reception, Sponsored by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States

Dr. You Shaozhong, Minister-Counselor, Chinese Embassy to the U.S. Bio

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Plenary V: Panel – Federal Government Initiatives: Purposes and Resources
National Security Language Initiatives (2006, NSLI) is probably one of the most significant federal initiatives in promoting the study of critical languages to date. What is the goal of NSSLI? What programs are associated with NSLI and who supports them? How do these programs help schools and students? How can we as educators contribute to the Initiative and, in turn, tap into its resources? Representatives of various federal agencies will share information about current efforts to build U. S. capacity for critical languages, a crucial step in building students ’ global competence for this interconnected world. Specific projects will be discussed, such as: STARTALK project, the Chinese Flagship Programs, and initiatives by the Departments of Education and State. The audience will learn about these important national projects and resources available and will be encouraged to share this information with their own schools.

Betsi Shays, Coordinator, National Security Language Initiative, U.S. Department of Education (moderator)
Bio

Robert O. Slater, Director, National Security Education Program
Bio

Laura Murray, Acting Technical Director for Area Studies and STARTALK Program Team, Department of Defense
Bio

David Plack, Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State
Bio

Cynthia Ryan, Division Director, U.S. Department of Education
Bio

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