How to create a modern K-12 Mandarin Chinese Language Program /Curriculum?

The Portland Public Schools K-12 Mandarin Chinese Language
Developing successful programs and curriculums for children learning Chinese is a challenge. Here is how Oregon do it.
For more see their website http://casls.uoregon.edu/ppsflagship/en/index.php

Program strives to create a sustainable and replicable model in Mandarin Chinese language instruction in the United States. Our goal is for all students to become bilingual and bi-literate while aspiring to achieve high-level academic performance and deeper cultural awareness.

The PPS K-12 Chinese program is structured on the total language learning approach incorporating three key elements:

Content-Based Instruction: Regular academic subjects such as math, science, social studies, are taught in Mandarin Chinese.

Explicit Language Instruction: Teaching language and literacy for communicative purposes.

Experiential Learning Practices: Students engage in real and meaningful life experiences requiring them to use their language and cultural skills (i.e. study abroad, summer immersion camp, etc).

Hemel Hempstead Chinese School for children receives national QiSS (Ofsted / DCSF) award

A Chinese school has received a national award for the quality of its teaching.
The Dacorum Chinese School Association in Hemel Hempstead, that teaches Mandarin from beginner's level to A level, was praised for the variety of learning it offers.

It organises Tai Chi classes and Chinese art activities, cultural events and trips.

The school has now received a Quality in Study Support (QiSS) award for its efforts, part of an initiative by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The scheme praises and rewards activities offered to children and young people outside their normal lesson time.

The Chinese school, which boasts 60 students aged five to 75, received the award at County Hall, Hertford, in December.
24 December 2008

6 themes of understanding including Communication and Languages replaces the emphasis on individual subjects

The new approach ensures children have their imagination sparked in a way relevant to the real world. Children will not only do maths but know which sum to do in which situation. Context matters. Children already well versed in ICT will use the power of technology even more. The feel of the new curriculum will be one of a 'holistic education.'
8th December 2008

Hanban & American teachers learn from each other to create a sustainable supply of Chinese teachers for children

The shortage of teachers for children learning Mandarin Chinese is an issue. Hanban supplies teachers on exchange programmes but long term Chinese teachers living in the West need to be trained in Western pedagogy.

In Oak Creek, Wisconsin, local teachers are learning to take over from Hanban teachers having completed teacher training locally.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/35265114.html

Alice Boucher Elementary School offers Mandarin Chinese

Being bilingual will give children a better understanding of linguistics, give them a more worldly view in a changing international world and allow them to receive better jobs in the future, the panelists said.

"The benefits of immersion are great. Our immersion students usually do as well - but mostly better - than regular (education) students on standardized tests,"

About two dozen parents interested in enrolling their children in French, Spanish and the new Mandarin Chinese immersion programs attended the informational session Thursday at the Clifton Chenier Center.

Starting next year, Alice Boucher Elementary School will start offering Mandarin Chinese Immersion, which experts said could put children at a strong advantage in the future as China emerges as an economic leader.