User:Davidma veritas/Cupertino Language Immersion Program
Cupertino Language Immersion Program (CLIP) is an alternative K-8 education program located at R.I. Meyerholz Elementary (K-5) and Sam H. Lawson Middle School (6-8) in the Cupertino Union School District (CUSD). It is one of three alternative programs in the district where enrollment is decided by lottery.
Employing a two-way language immersion model, CLIP’s goals are to develop biliteracy, enrich culturally and achieve academic proficiency that meet or exceed the district guidelines.
Starting in the 1998-1999 school year with a single Kindergarten class, CLIP’s Mandarin Immersion Program has grown to expand through eighth grade in 2006. In 2007, the first class of immersion students graduated middle school.[1]
CUSD supports CLIP with teachers, facilities, and English curriculum. All aspects of the Mandarin curriculum are financed by grants and donations. Donations are routed through the CLIP Community Organization (CLIPCO), a non-profit fundraising organization.
CLIP is the first public K-8 two-way Mandarin Immersion program in California.
Milestones
- March, 1998: Presentation to CUSD trustees.[2]
- May 12, 1998: CUSD Trustees approve language program.[3]
- August, 1998: Pilot Mandarin enrichment program, 10% of school day at L.P. Collins Elementary.[4]
- August, 1999: Expanded to two-way Mandarin immersion.[4]
- 2003: Received US Department of Education Grant $500k over 2003-06.[5]
- August, 2004: Relocated to R.I. Meyerholz Elementary School.
- August, 2006: Expanded to Sam H. Lawson Middle School.
- June, 2007: First language immersion class graduates Sam H. Lawson Middle School.[1]
Cultural Enrichment
- CLIP After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) is a parent organized and participant funded program to provide classes to Meyerholz Elementary School students in Chinese Wushu (sport), singing, dance, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese brush painting, Lion dance, and other related cultural classes.
- San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Since 200x, Meyerholz Elementary School has participated in the parade.
- Middle school student exchange program with school in Cupertino's sister city of Hsinchu, Taiwan
Opposition to Program
Opponents of CLIP have voiced the following concerns:
- Funding: During proposals for implementation of CLIP, opponents urged the school board to instead fund other much needed "programs and services including music and arts."[2]
- Ethnic Bias: There were also concerns that proposals were ethnically motivated[6] and would only serve a minority of the population.[7][2]
External Links
References
- ^ a b "Two Milestones for Mandarin Immersion Class", by Mangaliman, J. and Noguchi, S., San Jose Mercury News, June 7, 2007
- ^ a b c "CUSD board hears immersion presentation", by Enders, Steve, Cupertino Courier, May 20, 1998
- ^ "Board OKs Mandarin program", by Enders, Steve, Cupertino Courier, May 20, 1998
- ^ a b "Language Immersion Program Trains Students for the Future", by Che, I-chun, Cupertino Courier, October 9, 2002
- ^ 2003 FLAP Grantees
- ^ Decker, J. Letter. Cupertino Courier, April 8, 1998: "Letters: Immersion Proposal is ethnically biased"
- ^ Becker, R.A. Letter. Cupertino Courier, June 3, 1998: "Letters: Immersion or coercion"