The Washington State Coalition for International Education held its International Education Leadership Summit: Expanding Chinese Language Capacity in Washington State on January 30, 2006. This is part of their report.
Are We Reaching a Tipping Point with China?
Dr. Wang cited China’s economic power as a New “Globalizer” (World Bank, 2002). China is now the largest producer of coal, steel and cement in the world, second largest consumer of energy, and third largest importer of oil. China’s imports to the U.S. have grown by 1600% in the past 15 years, while exports to China from the U.S. have grown by 415%. China now manufactures two-thirds of the world’s copiers, microwave ovens, DVD players, toys, and shoes. In the past 25 years, 300 million people moved out of poverty and quintupled the average income. *Data taken from Newsweek Magazine, "Special Report, China's Century." May 9, 2005.
China’s growing political power means that engagement with China is crucial. China is emerging as a new superpower in the world and a player in balancing international stability. This could be key to the national security of the U.S. In addition, China will be an actor in global human security challenges, such as the environment, health, poverty, human rights, migration, and peace.
China’s cultural heritage enriches our lives. China has the longest uninterrupted civilization in the world with great literary and artistic traditions, and linguistic influences. America is experiencing the influence of East-Asian philosophy, social structure, and ways of being in the world, including culinary arts, scientific and technological inventions, and Chinese medicine.
What would it take to have 10% of Washington students learning Chinese by 2015?
If we are to build the infrastructure to support a K-16 pipeline of Chinese language learners in our state, three critical needs must be addressed:
1. Creating a supply of qualified Chinese language teachers;
2. Increasing the number and quality of school programs; and
3. Developing appropriate curriculum, materials, and assessments, including technology-based delivery systems.
Washington State has the potential to lead the way in the expansion of Chinese language study in the U.S. We have close ties with China and a well-developed trade relationship. Internationally recognized programs at the University of Washington set a high bar for college and graduate studies in Chinese language, culture, and area studies. Washington State is an international leader in technology. Let’s explore how Washington can address these needs in our state.
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