Eugene: Chinese Immersion School
Grades: K–7 in 2023-2024, adding one grade each year
K–12 Language Immersion Program: Will grow to a K–12 program at Kennedy Middle School and Churchill High School
Mission Statement:
The Chinese Language Immersion School provides a rigorous, supportive Mandarin immersion program which enables our students to become biliterate in Mandarin and English. The program also provides them opportunities to develop strong cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture with the goal of becoming productive global citizens.
Program Description:
Research indicates bilingual students gain deeper insights into ways of thinking and expressing themselves. Learning two languages increases the strength of literacy in both. Skills acquired include:
High level of proficiency in literacy and math skills in both English and Mandarin
Appreciation of multiple cultures and sensitivity to people who speak other languages
Foundations of knowledge in other curriculum areas, such as science and social studies
Flexibility of thinking and creative problem solving
School Highlights:
50/50 model: half of the school day is taught in Mandarin, and the other half in English
Science, math, Chinese language arts (reading, writing, speaking) in Mandarin and English language arts (reading, writing, speaking) in English
Commitment to literacy in English and Mandarin languages
Simplified Chinese characters (jianti hanzi) taught
Pinyin alphabet taught at 3rd grade
Commitment to excellent mathematics instruction and best practices
Commitment to cultural awareness and proficiency
Commitment to the Chinese and American visual and performing arts
Active parent involvement and outstanding parent organization
Develop an appreciation of Chinese culture through community partnerships with the University of Oregon, the Chinese American Benevolent Association and more
Participation in annual multi-cultural events such as Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Chinese New Year, Asian Celebration and Dragon Boat Festival
School Improvement Goals:
Students will demonstrate highly proficient biliteracy skills: speaking, writing, and reading in Mandarin and English.
Students will perform at or above grade level with peers on state, district and STAMP language proficiency tests.
Recruit and hire highly qualified bilingual teachers.