1. China Visit

2. What you need to know about China China is communist in name only China is communist in name only The Chinese like America very much and not just for our money The Chinese like America very much and not just for our money China has many environmental issues China has many environmental issues China is headed for a food crisis in the coming decades 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 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 There are HUGE discrepancies between eastern and western China and rural and urban life

4. The 21 st 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 Outdated structures and approaches in our high schools must be replaced with engaging, content-rich experiences that will enable our students to achieve at higher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

5. 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) (CSDE Brochure: Connecticut Secondary School Redesign)

6. Beijing

7. Jinan

8. What you need to know about education in China Long history – over 2500 years Long history – over 2500 years Universal and a meritocracy Universal and a meritocracy Characterized by examinations Characterized by examinations Dichotomous – high achieving students, but lacking the skills to be successful in international companies Dichotomous – high achieving students, but lacking the skills to be successful in international companies Very artistic students Very artistic students Creativity of thought not as emphasized as in America Creativity of thought not as emphasized as in America Large classes with subject-specific teachers Large classes with subject-specific teachers

9. Qufu

10. Introduction to Dongying

11. The Kids of Chen Yang School School of 1800 students, Gr. 1-8 School of 1800 students, Gr. 1-8 English instruction begins in Gr. 1 English instruction begins in Gr. 1 Live in a city of about 800,000 Live in a city of about 800,000 Class size 45-50 students Class size 45-50 students Similar amount of time in class but a very different schedule Similar amount of time in class but a very different schedule

12. Chen Yang classrooms

14. Second grade math work

15. Recess and Exercise

16. Math Lesson

17. Art Work

18. Reading Nooks

19. Our visit to Experiment Kindergarten

20. Experiment Kindergarten

21. Visit to the Friendship (You Ai) School

22. Communication Possibilities Skype with the teachers of English Skype with the teachers of English Sharing of student work Sharing of student work Exchanging art work and student performances Exchanging art work and student performances Continue pen pal relationships Continue pen pal relationships Develop e-mail pals Develop e-mail pals Continued visits among the partnership schools Continued visits among the partnership schools

23. Mutual Benefits Shandong Improve instructional practices Improve instructional practices Reflect upon effects of current system on creativity and independent thinking Reflect upon effects of current system on creativity and independent thinking Develop opportunities to practice English Develop opportunities to practice English Region 17 Expand the world-view of our students and staff Expand the world-view of our students and staff Learn about our interconnectedness Learn about our interconnectedness Begin to understand and be inspired by another culture Begin to understand and be inspired by another culture Reflect upon the effects of exam-based system on public education Reflect upon the effects of exam-based system on public education

24. “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