Organizer and Chair: Namji Kim Steinemann, Asia Society
Discussants: Donald J. Johnson, New York University; Colleen A. Kelly, Asia in Connecticut; Terrill E. Lautz, Henry Luce Foundation; Lucien Ellington, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Audree Chase, American Association of Community Colleges; Marianna Presler McJimsey, Colorado College
Given both its historic and contemporary importance, there is an ever increasing need to focus on ways to ensure that accurate up-to-date scholarship about Asia reaches students in schools and colleges across the United States. Teacher-preparation, national, state and/or local standards, up-to-date textbooks, access to technological advances, study and travel opportunities for instructors and teachers in the field, as well as students, and funding sources are only some of the more salient areas that either support or impede quality teaching of Asia. After examining the status of education about Asia in the K–16 curriculum, experts from various professional fields will analyze impediments to a more adequate inclusion of Asia in the K–16 curriculum and propose strategies for advancing the study of Asia. What is the state of teacher preparation on Asia? What is the relationship between teachers and scholars; between schools of education and liberal arts colleges; between textbooks and scholarship; between the media and public opinion? How can print and electronic material resources be upgraded? What are the primary sources of funding and what do they target? And in all these concerns, what roles can and should Asian scholars play?