DPI’s George explores Chinese language AP studies

Support and expansion of world language instruction is a major focus of State Superintendent Burmaster’s international education effort. To promote that effort, Mike George, Director of the Department of Public Instruction’s Content and Learning Team, recently traveled to China where he joined about 400 U.S. educators in a week-long educational tour to learn about Chinese culture and language. The tour was organized in an effort to expand Chinese language programs in U.S. schools, and provided an opportunity for educators to learn about the culture of the world’s most populous nation. The tour was sponsored by Hanban, China’s official agency authorized to promote Chinese language and culture internationally; the College Board, a membership association serving students and parents through college admissions and other programs, including the Advanced Placement (AP) Program; the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools; and the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages. The tour was designed to prepare educators to support the growth of Chinese language and cultural programs in their own states, schools, and districts.

”We appreciate the support of Hanban, which will enable more American students to learn the Chinese language, discover the vibrant culture of China, and participate more fully in the cultural exchange between our two countries," said College Board President Gaston Caperton.

More than 200 million children in China are studying English, but only 24,000 children in the United States study Chinese. There are currently only about 250 Chinese language teachers in U.S. secondary schools. It is expected that China’s rapid economic growth will create new opportunities and challenges for the U.S. During the trip, educators had an opportunity to meet with Chinese education leaders, build sister school and city ties, and network with other U.S. educators who are considering Chinese language programs in their schools. Delegates visited Beijing, and traveled in small groups to other cities and provinces to meet with local education commissions.

Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world, and will replace English as the most-used language on the Internet by 2007, according to forecasts by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The College Board and Hanban have formed a partnership to build and expand Chinese language programs in U.S. schools. Over the next three years, 250 guest teachers from China will teach in American classrooms and nearly 300 American teacher candidates will work toward attaining state certification to teach Chinese. Nearly 600 current and aspiring American teachers of Chinese are expected to have access to these programs over the next five years.

Last updated on 7/10/2006