The document makes the case for teaching Mandarin Chinese in the Houston Independent School District. It summarizes research showing that starting world language education early (K-5) is common practice in most industrialized countries. Only a small number of US states require world language education, and even fewer require it at the elementary level. Studies also show that learning a second language improves academic performance in other subjects and helps close achievement gaps. Furthermore, foreign language ability is important for national interests like security, economic competitiveness, and an informed citizenry. As China is projected to be a major future trade partner, learning Mandarin could position Houston students and the city well economically.

3. 20 of the Top 24 Industrialized Countries Begin the Study of a World Language in Grades K-5 Sources: Pufahl, Rhodes, & Christian, 2002; Li, 2007; Goto Butler, 2007; Gargesh, 2006; Eurydice, 2005; Russia-InfoCenter, 2006; Dixon, 2003 Slide used with permission, courtesy Shuhan C. Wang, Ph.D., Deputy Director, National Foreign Language Center, University of Maryland Lower Elementary School Upper Elementary School Middle School High School Beginning Age 5-7 8-10 11-13 14 Grade K-2 3-5 6-8 9 Number of Countries 8 12 3 1* (US)

4. Only 12 US States Require the Study of World Languages Source: National World Language Education Survey: A State of the States Report in 2009 (Wang, Evans, & Liau, 2009) Slide used with permission, courtesy Shuhan C. Wang, Ph.D., Deputy Director, National Foreign Language Center, University of Maryland School Level Number of States Elementary 1 Middle School 1 High School Graduation 6 Elementary & Middle School 1 Elementary, M.S. and H.S. 3

5. Portion of World Population Using Two or More Languages Source: Crystal, 1997. Slide used with permission, courtesy Shuhan C. Wang, Ph.D., Deputy Director, National Foreign Language Center, University of Maryland

10. Slide used with permission, courtesy Shuhan C. Wang, Ph.D., Deputy Director, National Foreign Language Center, University of Maryland

11. Source: U. S. Department of Commerce, Graphic by the US-China Business Council, 2011 2 nd only to CA ($12B)

12. Future International Trade Leader (today a sidewalk writer) Slide used with permission, courtesy Shuhan C. Wang, Ph.D., Deputy Director, National Foreign Language Center, University of Maryland

13. They’re coming… Graphic from “Many Rich Chinese Consider Leaving” by Jeremy Page, Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2011 … will they come to Houston?