Urges International Education, Language Skills in Nation's Classrooms
Asia Society and the Goldman Sachs Foundation Convene
Leadership Conference December 7-8 in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- ADVISORY --
WHAT: Asia Society, The Goldman Sachs Foundation and the States
Institute on International Education in the Schools will
release findings of a new study, States Prepare for the
Global Age, that documents state initiatives to increase
international education in the schools. The findings of the
study coincide with the announcement of the winners of the
annual Goldman Sachs Foundation Prizes for Excellence in
International Education.
State leaders are studying their economic connections to
other countries, especially in Asia; assessing and
strengthening curriculum standards; enhancing opportunities
for teachers; creating linkages with schools in other
countries; and strengthening world language programs. The
study identifies gaps among states to prepare students with
knowledge and skills; and outlines a series of themes that
characterize leading efforts underway to promote global
instruction.
States profiled in the report include: Connecticut,
Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan,
New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia,
Wisconsin.
WHY: U.S. students lack sufficient knowledge about other world
regions, languages and cultures and are in danger of being
educationally and economically handicapped in an
increasingly Interconnected and global economy.
Until recently, the need for international education and
language skills has not been part of the general debate over
education standards. Political, business and education
leaders are grappling with the question of how to produce
workers and citizens who can remain competitive in a global
economy.
Recent research by Asia Society and other organizations
reveal that American Students' knowledge of other nations is
weak and increasingly dangerous. Furthermore, language
instruction does not reflect today's realities. Already, one
in five American jobs is tied to international trade. The
U.S. trade with Asia now equals over $800 billion a year.
While the rise of China is driving new demand for Chinese
language speakers across business and social sectors,
schools throughout the United States are largely unprepared
to meet this need, lacking qualified teachers, programs or
creative uses of modern educational technologies.
WHO: Event hosted by Asia Society, America's leading institution
dedicated to fostering understanding of Asia and
communication between Americans and the peoples of Asia and
the Pacific, and The Goldman Sachs Foundation, whose mission
is to promote excellence and innovation in education and to
improve the academic performance and lifelong productivity
of young people worldwide.
Speakers include: Ms. Vishakha Desai, President, Asia
Society; Ms. Stephanie Bell-Rose, President, The Goldman
Sachs Foundation; Governor James B Hunt (North Carolina),
Lisa Ling, Host National Geographic Explorer, others.
WHEN: December 8, 2005
Remarks begin at 6:30 p.m.; The Goldman Sachs Foundation
Prizes in International Education Awards Presentation
8:15 p.m. - 9:20 p.m.
WHERE: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 480 L'Enfant Plaza,
SW, Washington, D.C. 20024