PROM/SE
The US-China Center has finished the Chinese translations of the PROM/SE test items for use by Beijing Normal University. The tests will be conducted in the fall as a pilot study to determine the effectiveness of the tests. Ten schools in Beijing were randomly selected as research sites for this pilot study, among which are four inner-city schools, three suburban schools, and three countryside schools. The formal research will be conducted in the second semester of the 2005-2006 academic-year to match the US PROM/SE research timeline.

US-China Conference on Secondary Education Reform
More than 70 educational leaders from the United States and China convened at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI for a two day conference on Secondary Education Reform. The conference, the first in a series of such events, was co-sponsored by the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence and the Office of K12 Outreach at MSU and brought American principals, superintendents, district administrators, and school board members from the Great Lakes States together to discuss and learn about the educational system in China. Speakers included Dr. Yong Zhao, Director of the US-China Center, Dr. Susan Sclafani, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Paul Conway, University of Ireland Cork, Wenzhong (Eric) Yang, US-China Center, and a group of Chinese Graduate Students from MSU. In addition, a contingency from the People’s Education Press (the government owned publishing company) were in attendance. Attendees discussed issues of curriculum, standards, professional development, school reform, and plans for visiting China in July of 2006.

Two Books in Publication
Two books edited by the US-China Center will be published soon by Beijing Normal University Press. “Good School and Good Education in Chinese,” edited by Yong Zhao, David Lustick, and Wenzhong (Eric) Yang will include effective case examples to illustrate the principles stated in each chapter. The examples attempt to provide Chinese readers with a better understanding of effective American educational practices.

X-Pacific Survey
As we continue to build X-Pacific into a resource relevant to encouraging intellectual exchange on issues in comparative international education, the X-Pacific team will provide updates as they become available. The team sent out an end-of-year survey for participants in both schools. In the survey, participants were asked about their thoughts regarding the X-Pacific project and for their suggestions on improving our work. A preliminary analysis of the responses reveals some interesting suggestions for us to consider.

X-Pacific Visit
In June 2005, X-Pacific in its continuing effort to document the educational stories of high-achieving schools in China and the US literally brought two worlds together. Edward Bernetich, principal of Beachwood Middle School and X-Pacific participant, visited China for a leadership conference on international comparative education. In China, Mr. Bernetich experienced what he calls “the rigor of Chinese education.” The Chinese students he observed appeared “extremely committed to their academics. . . .” As such, Mr. Bernetich admits to being “amazed by the focus and dedication of Chinese students, who work much harder than Americans.”

Comparison of US-China Academic Journals
The US-China Center is currently comparing research articles published in the past two years in top education journals. The Center will review the American Educational Research Journal and the Chinese journal Education Research for this teacher education review project.
We have constructed the coding schema that is applicable for both Chinese educational journals and American educational journals. Nearly 300 articles from Educational Research and American Educational Research Journal were coded. Preliminary data analyzing has been conducted and writing-up is in progress.

Open House for 3E International Preschool
On August 20, 2005, the 3E International Preschool hosted its first open house. In attendance were many perspective families, community members, and school staff and teachers. Participants had the opportunity to experiment with hands on science exhibits that support the school/museum concept. Teachers hosted a variety of activities within their classrooms allowing children to interact in material rich environments. Activities chosen, such as origami and paper cities, emphasized either the teacher directed Eastern approach or Western emergent curriculum approach that is a unique part of the of this school’s educational approach. Many children interacted throughout the environments and parents expressed interest in the school.

David Lustick Accepts New Position
Working as vice-director of US-China Education Center in the past year, David Lustick contributed to valuable publications, traveled to China to organize international conferences, and helped lead the framework design team for the 3E International Academy in Beijing. As of September 1, 2005 David becomes an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Graduate School of Education.

Introduction to Nancy Romig
Nancy Romig is a third year doctoral student in Learning, Technology, and Culture at MSU. She comes to us with 12 years of experience teaching elementary school. Currently, she is working on the curriculum development and support for the 3e International Preschool in Beijing. Her research interests focus on the uses of various technologies to assist young at-risk children in acquiring literacy skills.

Upcoming Activities & Events
A Book about Chinese education is to be edited. It will consist of three sections: I. Overview. II. Achievement Gap: Why and how is the difference, in terms of our five research dimensions. III. Concerns, issues, and problems: What do they think are doing better, need to address, and how they solve these.