N.C. Confucius Classrooms: Chinese Language and School Partnerships
The Center for International Understanding coordinates the nation’s first statewide network of Confucius Classrooms to teach Chinese language and culture in K-12 schools.
Why China?
China is North Carolina’s second largest trading partner and more than one-third of the world’s population speaks Chinese. To learn more about why understanding China is so important to North Carolina students’ success in the global economy, click here.
Governor’s Support
In April 2010, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue announced the launch of these Chinese culture and language programs as a major effort to provide students the skills they need to “compete effectively and work globally” in the 21st century.
Funding
Major funding and program support is provided by Hanban, an affiliate of the Chinese Ministry of Education. The Center’s partnership with Hanban means an estimated $815,000 in outside funding will flow directly to N.C. schools in FY 2011.
Results
In Year 1 (the 2010/2011 academic year) the Center coordinated Confucius Classrooms in 16 North Carolina schools. As a result, some 1,900 N.C. students enrolled in Chinese language and culture classes. More schools across the state will add Confucius Classrooms in the 2011/2012 academic year, increasing international school-to-school partnership activities as well as classes in North Carolina.
Where are N.C. Confucius Classrooms located?
The Center’s network of Confucius Classrooms spans the state. Participating schools, from both urban and rural areas, represent geographic, economic and demographic diversity. To view a map of school locations, click here.
How Does it Work?
Confucius Classrooms provide students the opportunity to study Mandarin
Chinese, learn about Chinese culture and history, and to share their own culture and history with Chinese students through school-to-school partnerships.
Through the Center’s program, North Carolina schools selected to participate:
• Host a qualified Chinese language teacher from China for three years with partial salary subsidies from the program
• Send school principals and teachers to China to learn about its culture, history, and education system
• Develop a partnership with a school in China
• Engage guest teachers and local teachers in professional development opportunities, focused on improving language instruction
• Receive technical and academic support from the Center’s team of education experts
For a more in-depth description of the program, click here.
How are Schools Selected?
Participating schools have a demonstrated commitment to global education. By “clustering” the programs within select school districts, students can progress from school to school with continued opportunities to advance their proficiency in Chinese. Only N.C. schools whose superintendent and central office have taken part in Center for International Understanding China programs are eligible to apply.
PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO: To view a short video of Governor Perdue Announcing North Carolina Confucius Classrooms, please click the Play arrow in the box below:
For More Information
Superintendents and Principals: Please contact Matt Friedrick, Director of K-12 Programs, at mfriedrick@northcarolina.edu if you are interested in orth Carolina Confucius Classrooms.
