STARTALK 2007
In 2007, the National Foreign Language Center undertook the initial planning phase of a multi-year project entitled STARTALK, which is one of the projects of the National Security Language Initiative, a multi-agency effort to expand foreign language education in under-taught critical languages by funding new and existing programs throughout students' learning careers, kindergarten through university; and to provide incentives and rewards for foreign language learning and use in the work force. The objective of the planning phase was to develop a strategic plan for STARTALK, and to provide specific implementation and evaluation plans for Summer 2007 programs in Chinese and Arabic for 400 high school students, and professional development opportunities for 400 teachers and/or perspective teachers of these two languages. For information about the Initiative, see the NSLI brouchure.
During the summer of 2007, NFLC implemented STARTALK programs in Arabic and Chinese language for high school students and professional development opportunities for prospective and current Arabic and Chinese teachers. STARTALK funded 34 institutions from 22 states and the District of Columbia, including both public and private universities, high schools, and heritage schools, with over 430 teacher and 870 student participants.
- Goal: To increase the number of students learning Arabic and Chinese.
- Goal: To provide professional development opportunities to teachers of Arabic and Chinese.
- Funding Arabic and Chinese summer language study for over 1,100 high school students.
- Funding professional development opportunities for over 600 teachers of Arabic and Chinese.
- Awards average $100,000 to 34 programs in 21 states and DC.
STARTALK 2007 Video (24MB Quicktime)
