Institute for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture at CAIS to Host National Conference Focused on K-12 Chinese Language Education.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Institute for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture at CAIS, a leading resource for developing and sustaining Chinese language programs in American schools, today announced its first national Conference for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture (K-12). The conference brings school administrators and educators from around the country to address the growing demand for Chinese language education. It will be held from March 16-18, 2007 at the Mission Bay Conference Center at the University of California, San Francisco. China Books and Periodicals, Inc. is the presenting sponsor for the conference, dedicated to enhancing Chinese language education in the U.S.

As part of the Institute's series of programs to promote Chinese language curriculum, this conference is the Institute's first national professional development resource specifically focused on Chinese language programs at the pre-collegiate level. The Institute is well-positioned to offer its Chinese language and culture expertise and resources, which have been developed over the past 25 years at the Chinese American International School (CAIS), the oldest PreK-8 Chinese-English immersion school in the nation.

Over the next few years, the high demand for Chinese language instruction will rise as China continues to emerge as a major economic and political power. In the fall of 2006, the College Board began administering AP Chinese Language and Culture courses worldwide.

However, many American schools lack well-qualified teachers and adequate resources that are critical for developing a comprehensive Chinese language program. By 2015, a minimum of 5,000 Chinese language teachers would be required to teach in American high schools in order for 5% of U.S. high school students (an estimated 750,000 students) to be able to study Chinese, according to a 2005 Asia Society report.

Major obstacles for Chinese programs at the K-12 level identified by Asia Society include: (1) finding qualified Chinese language teachers, (2) increasing the number and quality of school programs, and (3) developing appropriate curriculum materials and assessment tests. The Conference for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture (K-12) will offer a discussion platform for school administrators and educators to address these challenges. Conference strands include:

* Chinese Immersion Program

* Bringing Chinese Culture to the Classroom

* Elementary/High School Chinese Programs

* Administrators

* Chinese Language Teacher Candidates

* Assessment

The conference will feature leading educators and school administrators in the field of Chinese education from both North America and greater China. Speakers include:

* Professor Richard Chi, University of Utah, Salt Lake City

* Professor Gay Yuen, California State University, Los Angeles 

* Andrew Corcoran, Chinese American International School, San Francisco

* Professor May Liu, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei.

* Professor Prof. Xu Ziliang, China East Normal University, Shanghai

* Professor Fred Genesee, McGill University, Montreal

"As the demand for Chinese language education continues to grow exponentially, the question is whether or not American schools can provide Chinese classes for all interested students," said Andrew Corcoran, Executive Director, Institute for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture and Head of School, Chinese American International School (CAIS). "By hosting a national Conference for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture (K-12), the Institute hopes to be the key resource to help more American schools jumpstart their Chinese language programs and maintain them for years to come."

Conference attendees who cannot afford the full fee may apply to the Institute for financial assistance (see website for details). For complete information about the Conference for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture (K-12), including detailed conference strands, schedules, speakers, and registration information, please visit www.cais.org/conference.

About the Institute for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture at CAIS

The Institute for the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture at CAIS is a leading resource for developing and sustaining Chinese language programs in American schools. Founded in 1989, the Institute collaborates with a broad range of organizations in the U.S. and China. Based on the Chinese-English immersion educational model developed over the past 25 years at the Chinese American International School (CAIS), The Institute continues to promote professional development, community outreach and educational programs. For more information, please visit www.cais.org/institute.

About Chinese American International School (CAIS)

Chinese American International School (CAIS) is the nation's pre-eminent and oldest school offering Chinese-English immersion education. Founded in 1981, CAIS is a preK-8th grade independent school in San Francisco, California that offers a bilingual and multicultural learning experience for students of all backgrounds. CAIS celebrates its 25th anniversary this year promoting Chinese language and cultural education. For more information, please visit www.cais.org.