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Learning Mandarin Chinese will prove to be a huge asset to students as they move into the workforce and begin interacting and competing globally. In keeping with a long-time goal of the Board of Education, the administration proposes expansion of the district’s Mandarin Chinese program by three additional teachers for the 2008-09 school year at the following schools: Northwood Elementary, Northwest High and Page High. Currently, the district has three Mandarin Chinese teachers at the following schools: Northwood Elementary, Ferndale Middle and High Point Central High.
China is an immense market for American goods and services. In fact¸ the city of High Point has significant ties to China, including the High Point Furniture Market. Mandarin is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China on Taiwan. The majority of people who speak Chinese can communicate in Mandarin. An official language of the United Nations, Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world. More than one billion people speak Chinese.
Through a current agreement between The College Board and Guilford County Schools, The College Board administers a program to provide teachers from China to teach in Guilford County Schools at schools determined by the district. Chosen through a highly selective process, the teachers are matched to suit each school’s individual needs. As a part of the agreement, GCS must pay US Visa application fees for Mandarin Chinese Program teachers, approved homestays (housing), and transportation. Attached is an estimate for expanding the Mandarin Chinese Program.
RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of the administration to expand the Mandarin Chinese Program at Northwood Elementary, Northwest High and Page High Schools for the 2008-09 school year as explained above.
Attachment #1 - Cost Estimate
Attachment #2 - Letter from the College Board
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