Kentucky educators recently experienced an interesting and insightful trip to China.

Eight Kentucky educators went to China for a weeklong visit to explore the country’s education system.

They learned Chinese teachers specialize in specific content areas with young students and that family support is integrated into the education system.

Considering China has one of the best education programs in the world, these educators made a wise choice to witness that country’s education approach so they could come back to their respective school districts and try to utilize some of the information.

Although the country lags behind the U.S. in many ways – in areas such as pollution control, minimizing corruption and, in some cases, basic freedoms – it has an impressive education system.

In many ways, China’s education system is different than ours. The American teachers saw schools with gardening programs and a small zoo area at Yu Ying School in Beijing. That might be something to consider at their own schools.

Sarah Baker, assistant principal at Bristow Elementary School, said the trip reaffirmed that her school is on the right track in many areas.

Baker said she believes her school is on the right track in implementing The Leader in Me program and helping kids find their leadership role in education.

She was also impressed with how Chinese families invest in their children’s education.

Others were impressed at Chinese schools’ use of arts in the classroom, the class structure and their focus on education. One educator said he was just thrilled to climb a section of the Great Wall.

These educators also got to see the Chinese culture. They probably now have more appreciation and understanding of what it is like for Chinese or other immigrants living in the United States.

The trip by was important, and, from all accounts, enlightening.

We hope these educators learned a lot and that area schools will benefit from the knowledge gained.