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Kindergarteners carefully use calligraphy brushes as they stroke Chinese characters onto white sheets of paper. Teachers study local customs and pack gifts from San Diego as they prepare to visit the district's sister school in Suzhou, China. High school students eagerly await the opportunity to use their Mandarin skills on job interviews in the field of international business. Just a few scenes from the 21st century education currently offered at our district schools.
In 2006, President Bush launched the National Security Language Initiative to strengthen national security and prosperity through education with an emphasis on developing foreign language skills from kindergarten through university and into the workforce. Critical needs languages include Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Persian and Hindi, among others.
The K-4 Mandarin Chinese Language Magnet Program at Barnard Elementary offers students the unique educational opportunity to experience the Mandarin language through art, music, drama and physical education while maintaining a rigorous standard curriculum. "There are endless opportunities for Mandarin-speaking students to succeed," says Barnard principal Mary Watry. "It's the most widely spoken language in the world. Our students will be able to function in a global job market if they embrace their knowledge of Mandarin, especially at an early age."
Barnard places a strong emphasis on real world application through career days and local business partnerships. Monthly newsletters promote parent involvement and offer an overview of current lessons and encouragement to participate in community events that celebrate the Chinese culture.
San Diego High's School of Business is fortunate to have math teacher Ke Xu on the staff. Last year, principal Joe Austin received a proposal from Ke that he could also teach Mandarin if the school was interested in offering another language choice. By the end of this school year, 46 students are expected to successfully complete the introductory Mandarin course. Plans are now underway to offer AP Chinese and expand opportunities for students to embrace Chinese culture. The school is especially excited about its sister school in Suzhou, China, with more teacher visits and a new student visit program on the horizon.
"China is the burgeoning economy within the Pacific Rim. Mandarin is going to be as important to future business leaders as Spanish is to those who conduct business across our border," says Joe Austin. "We are thrilled about giving our kids a head start in the business world."
With funds from the Foreign Language Assistance Program Grant, the district is working on developing a middle school link for Mandarin Chinese. Overall, the district has successfully cultivated an extensive language program with more than 120 course offerings in Arabic, American Sign Language, Spanish, Tagalog (Filipino), Vietnamese, Japanese, German, French and Italian. For more information about language choices in the district, including magnet schools, see the Enrollment Options Catalog.