A Chinese work-around

Although this year's budget did not include funds for a new course in Chinese language instruction, several of us were invited to witness a creative work-around for the benefit of a number of students who had expressed an interest.

The not-for-credit "course" is being co-taught by two State College High students (a junior and a sophomore), who are receiving well deserved credit towards their high school graduation project. The students receive occasional classroom assistance from a dedicated parent volunteer.

The dozen or so students who are taking the class are doing so under the umbrella of the Learning Enrichment program, in which students sign "contracts" with a faculty advisor that allows them to spend time pursuing an area of particular academic interest.

Most impressive was the confidence, competence - and obvious enthusiasm - that was demonstrated by the student teachers. Providing students with the opportunity for this level of leadership is, to me, one of the great benefits of this initiative.

Class time was roughly split between vocabulary and pronunciation; culture (is it polite to burp at the dinner table? to blow your nose in public?  Yes, and no); and practice in writing characters.