The Center for Applied Linguistics 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: (1) developing a Chinese K-5 language framework, (2) developing a proficiency-focused and standards-based curriculum and materials, (3) training teachers in classroom techniques reflecting best practices, and (4) training teachers in classroom-based assessment techniques and the use of the Early Language Learning Oral Proficiency Assessment (ELLOPA) and the Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA).

The project will collaborate with selected schools on the implementation of their K-5 Chinese programs and will conduct longitudinal research to examine: (a) students’ progress in Chinese language proficiency; (b) the attitudes toward the Chinese language and culture of students, administrators, teachers, parents, and the community; and (c) student progress on standardized assessments of English language arts and mathematics as compared to the progress of control groups.