AGLOBAL

PARTNERSHIPARKANSAS & CHINAWORKING TOGETHER

MANDARIN CHINESE

PREPARING ARKANSAS CHILDREN

for a GLOBAL WORKFORCE

Why Mandarin Chinese?In an increasingly global, technological economy, experts say,

“It isn’t enough to be academically strong. Young people must also be able to work comfortably with people from other cultures, solve problems creatively, write and speak well, think in a multidisciplinary way, and evaluate information critically.”

Why Mandarin Chinese? Philadelphia, Houston, New York City and

Portland are poised to launch Chinese programs.

Chicago has more than 3,500 students in the largest program in the nation.

Non-Asian children are attending the Lansing Chinese School in Michigan because “an ambitious feeling on the part of the parents” who are “interested in China’s playing an important role in the world”.

Why Mandarin Chinese?

The National Security Education Program offers college students $20,000 to $30,000 a year to study less-taught, critical languages in the countries where the languages are spoken.

Mandarin Chinese is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a less-taught, critical language at secondary and college levels.

Working with the University of Central

Arkansas UCA works with the Office of Chinese Language

Council International (Hanban) under the Chinese Ministry of Education to provide resources for Chinese instruction.

Hanban can supply a minimum of five (5) teachers for the 2012/2013 school year.

Working with the University of Central

ArkansasUCA is responsible for the following:

1. Processes Visas2. Enter into the INA database3. Background checks4. Greet at airport5. Provide 5 day orientation6. Transport each day to Non-Traditional Training (3 weeks)

*Five percent (5%) of the teacher’s salary per year is paid to UCA as a management fee.

Hanban’s Responsibilities

Provide transportation and cover expenses involved with traveling between China and Arkansas.

Provide the stipend for the teacher on a two-year contract. ($12,000 per year)

Pay transportation costs for the teachers to travel home during the summer and the return trip to Arkansas.

ADE Responsibilities

Process all documentation required for the Chinese Teachers to enter the NTLP plus assist with Arkansas Licensure rules.

Provide information and assistance regarding any required Praxis II content tests.

Ensure all teachers have taken and passed the Oral Proficiency Inventory (OPI). (May be administered in China)

ADE Responsibilities (cont’d)

Commitments from a minimum of five Arkansas school districts to host a Mandarin Chinese teacher for the 2012/2013 school year.

Hold an informational meeting for those school districts interested in the program.

Ensure school districts are aware of their responsibilities.

Host School District Monetary

Responsibilities School District pays approximately $20,000 (based

on the state minimum salary) plus the following:1. TIAA-CREF2. Medical Insurance3. Non-Traditional Program tuition ($1,200 per year for two years)4. Testing fees5. HomeLand Security Fee

Host School District Responsibilities

Assign a mentor for two years

Provide transportation

Assist in locating appropriate housing

Help acclimate the teacher to the community

The Hanban Teachers . . . Speak fluent English Have Master Degrees in teaching Chinese as

a second language. Have experience teaching Chinese as a

second language. Have studied in regards to the American

culture Are regarded highly in China as

professionals. Are very grateful to receive a teacher’s salary.

Timeline November 2011 - Commitments from 5 -13

school districts

December 2011 - Dr. Zhuang gets a written commitment from the Chinese government

December 2011 - Delegation from Arkansas goes to China to interview prospective teachers

June 2012 - Teachers arrive in AR and attend orientation at UCA

July 2012 - Teachers begin NTL training

August 2012 - Chinese teachers begin teaching in AR classrooms

Number of Students Taking Chinese by Year

0200400600800

10001200140016001800

2008 2009 2010 2011

Number of Students

Number of Students

Students Taking Chinese by School Level (2008-2011)

46%

9%

45%

Number of Students by SchoolsHigh School Middle School Elementary School

Possible New School Districts for 2012/2013

1. Russellville2. Springdale3. Dover4. Jacksonville5. Benton6. Hazen7. Little Rock8. Rogers

Additional Request & Replacements

Pulaski County – needs a second teacher

Northwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative – 2

Wynne Bentonville - needs one more teacher

Contact Information

Barbara Culpepper501 Woodlane St. Suite 220-C

Little Rock, AR 72201501-682-4311

Fax: 501-682-5118barbara.culpepper@arkansas.gov