April 3, 2006

April 8 symposium on Japanese education, immigration, reform, and human rights

Leading scholars from Japan and the United States will discuss Japanese education, immigration, reform, and human rights during a symposium on Saturday, April 8.

Nine Japanese scholars will be joined by about 50 specialists from the United States whose research focuses on the evolving educational and economic underpinnings of Japanese society. The symposium is being organized by June Gordon, an associate professor of education at UCSC, and Gerald LeTendre, associate professor of Educational Theory and Policy at Pennsylvania State University. The event will take place at UC Berkeley's Alumni Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The content of the symposium, "Challenges to Japanese Education: Economics, Reform, and Human Rights," will be published in English and Japanese. The leading publisher on human rights issues in Japan, Akashi Shoten, is sending a representative. Featured discussants include Harumi Befu, George DeVos, and Thomas Rholen. A representative of the San Francisco Consulate will also attend, said Gordon.

Presentations will cover topics that include school cultures and the college entrance exam in Japan; education reform and teacher professionalism in an age of globalization; policy changes in the distribution of resources; the education of minorities in Japan; career decision making and support for low-income students; and the school experiences of Burakumin women.
The symposium will be followed by a reception at the UCB Faculty Club. Cosponsors of the symposium include the UCB Institute of East Asian Studies, Center for Japanese Studies, International and Area Studies, and Graduate School of Education; Stanford University's Center for East Asian Studies; and Penn State's College of Education.