Heritage Language Programs - Chinese
Chinese Language School of Columbia
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Address: 8700 Old Annapolis Road Ellicott City, MD 21043
Telephone: 410-750-1089
Web address: http://www.clscweb.org
Contact person
Name: Emily Lee
Title: Principal
Address: 8700 Old Annapolis Road, c/o Howard High School, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Email: toemilylee@gmail.com
Telephone: 410-750-1089
Languages/dialects taught: Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese
Grades taught: PreK-12
Program Description
Purposes and goals of the program: To offer the local community an opportunity to learn Chinese culture and language so that we preserve our customs, culture, and language among second-generation Chinese immigrants.
We offer bilingual classes for Chinese heritage families who speak English, and also want to learn Chinese. We also host cultural events for local community members to experience our culture.
Program origin: The program was founded in 1975
Parents
Parents’ expectations for the program: Since the school was founded and managed by parents, our mission is consistent with the expectation of the parents to provide instruction in Chinese language and culture to heritage Chinese learners.
Staff
Instructors’ and administration’s expectations for the program: Staff expectations are that students will learn to speak and write Chinese while learning about their heritage culture.
Students
Students: 180 students attend the school. 95 percent of the students are second- generation immigrants, and 5 percent are adopted from mainland China. 95% of the students come from Taiwan, and 5% come from China.
How the program identifies heritage speakers: Self identification and interviews
Students’ expectations of the program: To learn Chinese language and culture
Instructors
Number of instructors in the program: 18
Languages in which instructors are proficient: Chinese and English
Professional development opportunities instructors have: Workshops and conferences (local, regional, and national)
Instruction
Total contact hours per week: 2 hours, 1 time per week
Student grouping: By age and language proficiency
Language skills
Heritage language skills: Listening, speaking, reading, writing
Time devoted to teaching language: 80 percent of the time
Culture
Aspects of culture taught: History, festivals, customs, arts and crafts, dance, and traditions
Time devoted to teaching culture: 20 percent of the time
Methodologies
Methodologies and instructional strategies used in the program: Lecture, interactive, hands-on
Materials
Textbooks used for instruction: The textbooks we use are provided by the Commission of Overseas Chinese Affairs.
Other materials are used for instruction: Teachers prepare materials.
Technology used for instruction: Instead of incorporating technology, we use traditional teaching materials (blackboard, paper, and pencil).
Assessment
Assessments used to evaluate students’ progress: We use weekly quizzes, chapter tests, mid-term tests, and the following standardized tests: SAT Chinese II and Chinese AP. We also use teacher observations and performance-based tasks or assessments.
Financial support the program receives: Tuition and fundraising
Special challenges
Challenges the program has experienced: Funding is always a problem. Facility rental fee is almost beyond affordable.
Additional comments: Grants and local or state government support
