The topic will be "Chinese Programs in New York Schools." We will address the current state of Chinese programs in K-12 schools in the New York region, with presentations by teachers from a variety of schools. Pat Lo (formerly Director of the NYS ALBETAC) will speak about her new role and initiatives at the NYC OELL. 

Additional forum dates are as follows: 

October 21  Successful Chinese Programs: District Reports
November 18 What Works Now: Successful Planning
December 16 Games, Projects and Songs: Members Present

 

 As always, professional development credits will be offered and dinner will be provided.  Register here. If you would like to make a presentation at one of our forums, please indicate that on the registration form. Forums will be held in Kimball Hall Lounge, 246 Greene Street at the corner of Waverly Place.

 

Teacher Ammy Chau of Millennium High School is raising funds to buy art supplies for Chinese brush-painting and paper-cutting projects, to bring culture into her Chinese language classroom, as well as for the school's spring break trip to China. So, Ammy brought her students to our forums where they sold their art projects -- Chinese papercuts and paintings -- to teachers in attendance. In addition, Ammy's students and their families provided bubble tea, food and homemade desserts. In turn, a donation was made to their student organization to fund their upcoming projects!

In addition to benefiting a good cause, it was wonderful for both the in-service and pre-service teachers at our forums to observe this innovative way to raise funds. Attendees spoke of how inspiring Ammy's efforts were, and dedicated and enthusiastic her students are.  This was the third forum Ammy's students attended: they have shared with us their trip to China, their Chinese art projects, and their fundraising activities.  An exciting effort by Ammy; we wish her the best! See her fundraising presentation on DCLT's website.

The NYS ALBETAC closed it's doors on June 30 at the conclusion of a five-year contract.  We are extremely grateful for the tireless work the ALBETAC did to promote and support Chinese language education in New York State, all while working with many other language groups as well.  Project DCLT has enjoyed working closely with the ALBETAC in this regard.  The ALBETAC will be reconstituted as an "R-BERN" or Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network serving students from all language backgrounds, and contract awardees will be announced shortly.  We look forward to working with the R-BERN! 

New York City and many other states have seen a marked increase in Dual Language programs in Chinese and English. This year the NYC Office of English Language Learners held a Chinese Teacher's Summer Institute (formerly organized by the NYS ALBETAC) specifically for Chinese teachers in these programs. The 5-day Institute was held at New York City's first dual language school, the Shuangwen Academy (PS 184). Presenting schools include PS 310, PS 163 and PS 184.  Unfortunately the Institute was cut short by one day due to Hurricane Irene.  Resources will be available soon.