Announcements

Chinese in 2008: An Expanding Field | link
The National Chinese Language Conference marked a milestone in the history of language education in the United States. Although historically Chinese has not been widely taught in American schools, interest is growing dramatically. Read the field report (PDF, 716K).

National Chinese Language Conference | link
The 2008 National Chinese Language Conference was attended by over 700 participants. Watch the conference site for PowerPoint downloads, pictures, and video.

STARTALK 2008 Chinese Programs | link
In summer of 2008, there will be 37 Chinese programs for students in 26 states, and 27 programs for teachers in 20 states plus the District of Columbia.

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Elmo Speakers Chinese | press release , video
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE), The Ohio State University and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, have joined together for a four-week pilot program to help preschool and kindergarten students begin to learn Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture.

Columbia Launches Certificate Program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages | flyer (pdf, 60k)

Chinese Bridge Delegation to China | link
American educators and school administrators interested in establishing a Chinese language program are eligible to participate in a heavily subsidized educational tour of China. The delegation will spend a few days in Beijing, then travel to regional cities in smaller groups. Delegates will visit local schools, meet with Chinese educators, see historic landmarks, and participate in cultural activities. The Chinese Bridge program is sponsored by the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in collaboration with the Chinese Language Association of Secondary and Elementary Schools (CLASS), and the College Board. 

Travel dates are June 23 - July 1, 2008. Hanban has provided generous funding to cover participants’  international round-trip air tickets to Beijing from designated U.S. hub cities; travel costs in China including hotel accommodations, group meals, tour guides and admission tickets; and local and inter-city transportation costs. Participants are responsible for a $900 registration fee, plus travel to a designated international airport hub. Application Deadline: April  30, 2008.

Chinese Bilingual Teacher Education Program
The Loyola Marymount University program prepares qualified Chinese teachers to teach in both Chinese and English in K-12 bilingual immersion or foreign language classrooms. Successful graduates will complete a “3-in-1” program: a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Master of Arts degree in Bilingual Elementary or Secondary Education and a Mandarin BCLAD Authorization. Program starts summer 2008. Applications are being accepted now, with scholarships available. Click here to learn more.

Looking Back, Looking Forward
20 Years of Chinese in Springfield, Massachusetts
read story

Massachusetts Opens Chinese Immersion Charter School
The Massachusetts Board of Education approved the application of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (PVCI) and gave the school permission to open in September 2007.
read story

Prepare Chinese Language Teachers Initiative
Funded by the Freeman Foundation
more on the Initiative

STARTALK 2007: A Great Success
read story | read about STARTAK 2007 for Teachers

U.S. Department of State Sponsers Intensive Summer Language Institute for Teachers of Chinese as a Foreign Language
read story