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Between December 2012 and October 2013, Qatar Foundation International conducted a survey of 201 U.S. K-12 public and public charter schools that teach Arabic. We aimed to take a general look at the field of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) at the K-12 level to inform our own programming and provide an updated overview of the field. QFI’s Arabic Language and Culture Program aims to increase the quantity and quality of Arabic language programs in K-12 public and public charter schools in the Americas, so understanding the current state of K-12 Arabic helps us to shape our priorities and better target our grant-making and programmatic activities. We presented the survey results at the 2013 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) convention. Of the 201 schools contacted, 106 responded. This is an info-graphic illustrating some of the results.
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Administrative
Survey MethodologySince December 2012 - 201 U.S. public and public charter schools contacted. Initially by phone and followed up by email.Surveys were administered to principals or other administrators, not teachers.
Qatar Foundation International, LLC, is a U.S.-based member of Qatar Foundation (QF) dedicated to advancing QF’s mission and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s vision of connecting cultures and advancing global citizenship through education. QFI is a not-for-profit organization in Washington, D.C., focused on grant-giving and programmatic activities that promote education as a force that facilitates collaboration across geographical, social and cultural boundaries.
About QFI
Key Takeaways
Schools participated In the survey
Phone interviews with Principals and Administrators
of Arabic programs
Contact list compiled using-combination of NCLRC Arabic Schools directory and
QFI's own database
No partial information was included in the data set
How many students are enrolled in your program?
What is the average size of your Arabic classrooms?
How long has your school
capacity?
What levels of Arabic are taught at your school?
Why did your school choose to have an Arabic program?
What is the biggest challenge for the Arabic program?
What is the most rewarding thing about the Arabic program?
Why do programs discontinue?
How did your school find an Arabic teacher?
Number of programs by year established
Findings
Finding and retaining a quality teacher is critical for
success of program
Community and administrative support
& buy in is essential
Building a succesful Arabic program takes time and commitment.
There is also a great need for quality Arabic curriculum materials.
There are more Arabic programs than
you might think!
2 23
9
1916
21
1-100 45 schools students
101-20016 schools students
201-3007 schools
3 schools
students
301-400students
3 schools
501-600students
3 schools
701-800students
401-5002schools
2schools
students
601-700
Programs
students
Programs Students
0 4020
23programs
35programs
19programs
8programs
21
19881991
1
1998
3
20011
2002
4
2003
3
2005
6
2006
7
2007
13
20088
2009
13
2010
13
2011
4
2012
Studentsgaining globalunderstanding Student
excitement Opportunitiesthe program
opens up
Teacher Growing the
program
Other
179
65
44
24
3617
2816
918
312
10
Prog
ram
s
23
45
Levels Schools
Schools
Standard hiring process
Partnership with university
Advertising
Word of mouth
Personal relationship with teacher
Teacher found in district
Job Fairs
N/A / Unsure
37 Teacher found in district
15 Increase cultural understanding
17 Open up opportunities for students
Community Funding Findinga teacher Parents Students Administrative
Charter/magnet school
17 Other
15 Arabic community ties
15 Funding opportunities
9 Teacher was available
11
Curriculum materials
2425
1518
20
5
22
30
24
1213
1723
School priority
changed
20%
20%
4%
Don't remember
Not enough response or student
enrollment
24%Teacher left or retired
Funding or budget cuts
32%
0-2years
2-5years
5-10years
10+years
qfi.org [email protected]
"One of the biggest challenges is community misperceptions. Parents were initially fearful that teaching
Arabic language and culture meant that their students were being taught Islam."
“It is a "feather in our cap" to have an Arabic program, especially since we are the only high
received inquiries from surrounding districts and schools asking about the possibility of extending our
Arabic programs through technology and distance learning options.”
"I would say that the most significant challenge for our Arabic program has been finding a certified teacher who is fluent in Arabic and who would fit into our school climate.”
The Current State of K-12 Public and Public Charter School Arabic Language ProgramsA QFI survey of 106 Public and Public Charter School Arabic Programs.
Results are as of November 2013.
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