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.