Hathaway Brown Showcases Cleveland as it Welcomes Group of Chinese Educators from Beijing thru Feb. 7

Hathaway Brown, an independent school in Cleveland, Ohio top-ranked nationally, has created a comprehensive international studies program as it transforms into a school without borders. The school welcomes a group of middle school educators from Beijing, China thru February 7, 2006.

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) January 30, 2006 -- With 30 million people studying Chinese around the globe today, Mandarin Chinese students in a pocket of Cleveland are quickly learning universal issues share a common language.

Global problems such as poverty, scarcity of water and access to basic education are some of the weighty topics Hathaway Brown students and teachers are delving into with a group of educators from June First Middle School in Beijing, China. The school welcomes the group to Northeast Ohio through February 7, 2006.

The visit, sponsored by the school's newly-created Center for International Studies, is part of Hathaway Brown's efforts to strengthen the international component of its curriculum. The school recently finalized a partnership with June First to give students and faculty concrete opportunities to learn more about the profound influence China exerts on the world stage. The relationship is also designed to help the Chinese gain a better understanding of America.

To do that, Hathaway Brown faculty members will showcase Cleveland with tours of landmarks as well as different schools in the region, including Cleveland's Hope Academy.

"As our city wrestles with its own challenges, we believe it's important for students to understand regional issues against a universal backdrop," said Bill Christ, Head of School at Hathaway Brown. "Our Center for International Studies is designed to help students further their understanding of the world and its growing interdependence."

Members of the media are invited to Hathaway Brown's campus Tuesday, January 31 as the group from Beijing participates in one of the school's Primary classes, sharing information with the First Grade about Chinese New Year. The Beijing contingent will also answer questions about children in China. Reporters and editors are also invited to Hope Academy on Friday, February 3 when the group visits with students at the urban charter school to observe classes as well as work with faculty. Every year, Hope Academy sends some of its students to participate in Hathaway Brown's summer Aspire program.

"Hathaway Brown's pioneering role in international studies for middle and high school students serves as a model not only for other private schools, but for public schools and entire districts as well," said Lee Lazar, Head of the Hope Academy.

The Hathaway Brown Center for International Studies develops programs that:

>>Pair students and faculty with international partners from countries including China, France, Germany, Japan and Nepal. The school encourages both students and teachers to travel to middle schools and high schools throughout the world as part of its curriculum.

>>Encourage study of less commonly taught languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Japanese and German.

>>Require 8th and 9th grade students to take an introductory course in Global Studies.

Founded in 1876, Hathaway Brown is dedicated to preparing young women not only for school, but for life. Hathaway Brown consistently ranks among the top independent schools in the nation. The school, with more than 840 students enrolled, is recognized nationally for its groundbreaking work in developing science and research courses for secondary level students. To learn more about the school, please visit www.hb.edu.

CONTACT:
Jim Wojtkun, Director of Communications
216-320-8760   

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