Report: Asian studies are lacking in schools. (Social Studies).

Nine out of 10 adults say it's important for students to study Asia in school, and more than seven in 10 students want to learn more about Asia-related topics, including languages, literature, art, music, history and politics. According to Asia in the Schools, a new report of the National Commission on Asia in the Schools, 30 states and the District of Columbia have adopted standards related to Asia or Asian-Americans--but a closer look reveals that it's not enough.

Although the U.S. and Asia are linked on many levels, research indicates a shortage of U.S. graduates with expertise in languages, cultures and policies of other nations--especially China, Korea and the central Asia nations formed after the breakup of the Soviet Union. When adults and students answer basic questions about Asia, even those confident about their knowledge tend to get basic facts wrong. Through surveys of social studies teachers, the report found that schools don't make use of the wide range of curriculum materials available about Asia.

Vivien Stewart, vice president for education at the New York-based Asia Society, says educators tend to have the misconception that "it's not important or that it's a luxury to teach about others parts of the world." She says this is changing since Sept. 11. "For students graduating in the next few years, it's going to be just as important that they know something about other cultures as it is that they know algebra," Stewart says.

The report includes 16 best practices, as well as recommendations for governors, parents, professional organizations, districts and other groups to enhance teaching about Asia. Among the measures districts can take:

* Specify Asian content in local standards and curriculum. Content should relate not only to social studies, but also to language arts, science, art and other curriculum areas.

* Offer teachers professional development on Asia and allow time during the school day for collaboration to create Asian-related lessons and course designs.

* Conduct an audit of current efforts to help students learn about Asia. Document courses offered, the Asian content in all subjects and all grade levels, teacher training, textbooks and student/teacher contact with counterparts in other nations.

www.asiaintheschools.org

Attention Devoted to Asia
by Teachers

No response      3%

Too much         4%

Not enough      64%

Just right      29%

(survey of adults and college-bound
high school students)

Note: Table made from pie graph.