
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) in Washington DC and the National K-12 Foreign Language Resource Center at Iowa State University are collaborating on a project to improve and expand the teaching of Chinese at kindergarten through grade five by establishing an articulated, long-sequence model of instruction and conducting research on the implementation of that model.
Activities include:
- Developing a Chinese K-5 language framework;
- Designing a proficiency-focused and standards-based
curriculum based on Backward Design;
- Providing professional development that reflects best practices;
- Preparing teachers in classroom based as
sessment techniques and the use of the Early Language Learning Oral Proficiency Assessment (ELLOPA) and the Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA);
- Collaborating with two Midwest school districts on the implementation of Chinese programs beginning in kindergarten;
- Conducting longitudinal research with treatment and control schools that examines (a) student progress in Chinese language proficiency; (b) the attitudes toward the Chinese language and culture of students, administrators, teachers, and parents; and (c) student progress on standardized assessments of English language arts and mathematics as compared to the progress of control groups;
- Disseminating project materials and research results.
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