Based on a Foreign Language Assistance Program grant that Ohio Department of Education received in 2006, Ohio is aiming to complete a draft of K-4 Mandarin curriculum by late summer of 2007, and to create professional development modules during the 2008-2009 school year.

The Ohio state legislature has also made long stridess in bringing Chinese and other critical need languages into the state.  Legislators approved funding for alternative licensure to heritage speakers.  Cleveland State University and Ohio State University will license teachers in time to begin teaching during the 2007-2008 school year.

House Bill 115 created Regents Academies where 11th and 12th graders will study Chinese and other languages, and earn dual credit at both the high school and post-secondary levels.  In the summer of 2007, 50 students will be enrolled in each of the two Academies.

Senate Bill 311 required the establishment of a Foreign Language Advisory Council, which will propose recommendations for legislation by 2014.

The Ohio International Summit for Education was held in April.  Featured speakers included: Frances Strickland, First Lady of Ohio, Sir Michael Barber, former education advisor to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Susan Tave Zelman, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

To set the stage for 2007, a symposium entitled Making the Global Connection: Linking Students and China in the 21st Century, was held at the conclusion of 2006.  A follow-up symposium is scheduled to take place in late 2007.

Read complete story.