Two EKU faculty members will host a weeklong visit by two educators from Kazakhstan.

Dr. Cynthia Harter, director of EKU's Center for Economic Education, and Dr. John Harter, assistant professor of economics at Eastern, will host the international visitors - Shnar Iskakova, program coordinator of educational programs for the Soros Foundation in Kazakhstan, and Lazzat Zhazylbek, a senior teacher of economics at Almaty Abai State University.

The Harters have arranged a weeklong program focusing on local economic education activities and cultural attractions in the area. The tour will include visits to local schools, demonstrations of virtual learning opportunities, meetings with educational officials in Frankfort and at the Kentucky Council on Economic Education in Louisville, and tours of various Kentucky firms and landmarks.

While on the EKU campus March 19-20, the Kazakhstan guests will view an eighth-grade economics lesson at Model Laboratory School, visit the University's Teaching and Learning Center to learn about on-line classes, visit the Crabbe Library and Learning Resource Center, meet with Eastern faculty and participate in a graduate class on economics for teachers.

"We are looking forward to showcasing economic education in the Bluegrass," Cynthia Harter said. "We are very proud of the work we do here. We also are looking forward to learning more about our visitors and their country. We think this is a tremendous opportunity for the people of the University and the whole region to share with teachers of another culture."

As a result of their U.S. visit, the visitors will develop professional relationships, gain a broader background on economic education activities in America, become familiar with education reform efforts, gain exposure to private sector participation in economic education activities and develop an understanding of economic, political and social conditions.

"The overall goal of this study tour program is to provide economic educators, who are training teachers, with experiences that strengthen their abilities to deliver economic education in their home countries."

Funding for the tour is provided by the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research
and Improvement.

Founded in 1949, NCEE promotes the effective teaching of economic principles in U.S. schools through its nationwide network of more than 300 state councils and university centers such as the one at EKU.