Federal Resources for Chinese Language Programs

National Chinese Language ConferenceWashington, DCApril 23, 2010

Goals

• To be a national program operating in all 50 states by 2011, with programs in up to 10 languages

• To increase the quality and supply of teachers of critical languages throughout the nation

• To stimulate significant increases in the number of students enrolled in the study of critical languages

• To improve the quality and effectiveness of critical language curriculum

Profile of 2010 Programs (1)

• Funds to Programs: $12 million• 134 Awards• Program Type

–75 Student–51 Teacher–8 Combination

• Languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Hindi, Persian, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu

Profile of 2010 Programs (2)

• Total Capacity for participants: 7313–4890 Students–1484 Teachers–939 in Combination Programs

– Student: 54– Teacher Development: 44

Profile of 2010 Chinese Programs (3)

Distribution of Programs 2010

Who Can Get STARTALK Funding?

Eligibility• Capacity to offer a STARTALK program• Languages, states, ages, levels of instruction• Prior experience• Evidence of participant safety and insurance

Who Can Get STARTALK Funding?

• Post secondary institutions• State and regional educational

agencies• School districts• Public and private schools• Community organizations• Language associations• Corporations

STARTALK Process & Cycle• Request for Proposals (October)• Proposal Review (November/December)• Award Notification (January)• Award Start Date (March)• Orientation Conference (April)• Program Curriculum Development and Approval (May-

June)• Program Implementation (June, July, & August)– Site Visit (June, July, & August)

• Post-program Conference (October)

STARTALK-endorsed Principles for Effective Teaching

• Implementing standards-based and thematically organized curriculum

• Facilitating a student-centered classroom • Using target language for instruction • Integrating culture into language instruction • Adopting and using authentic materials• Conducting performance-based assessment

Applications

• Available at www.startalk.umd.edu in the fallOr• Send an email to startalk@nflc.org requesting

notification