STARTALK Language Program
- What is STARTALK?
- Arabic Programs at LAUSD schools
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STARTALK Language Program
What is STARTALK?
STARTALK is the newest of the component programs of the NSLI (National Security Language Initiative) announced by former President Bush in January of 2006. The initiative seeks to expand and improve the teaching and learning of strategically important world languages that are not now widely taught in the US.
Since 2007, the NSA/CSS (National Security Agency/Central Security Service) has served as Executive Agent for this exciting and highly acclaimed language learning program.
STARTALK has received widespread acclamation from the national language teaching community, students, parents, and members of Congress. The intent of STARTALK is to provide summer language learning courses and teacher certification in less commonly taught languages for students and teachers at levels K-16, with the goal of expanding this program to all 50 states by 2011.
2007:
It was the first year of STARTALK's implementation, 34 programs in Chinese and Arabic were held across 21 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.), reaching over 1300 high school students and high school and college teachers.
2008:
STARTALK doubled in funding, with academic partnerships being established in nine additional states. More than 3,700 students and teachers participated in 2008, and enrollment expanded to include middle schools. Program offerings focused on not only Chinese and Arabic, but also Hindi, Urdu, and Farsi. Most programs were offered at no cost to participants, and many of the programs granted college credit.
2009:
125 programs are offered in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Persian, Swahili, Turkish & Urdu in 34 states (See all programs). Out of these programs, 44 are Arabic programs offered in 18 states.
Arabic Programs at LAUSD schools in 2009:
- Bell, CA; July 6 - August 30, 2009
- Los Angeles, CA; July 6 - July 17, 2009
Students at Bell and Roybal High Schools will accelerate their learning of Arabic by studying the language through different themes. The rich and mystical culture of the Middle East will be explored in a high interest, low anxiety environment. Technology such as document readers, mp3 players, laptops and the internet will be a core feature in the classroom to motivate students and emphasize interactive learning and teaching.
In an authentic environment, students will learn to communicate purposefully in the target language as listeners, speakers, readers and writers. The Arabic culture will be a natural component of language use in all activities. This will be supported through field trips into the local Arabic community. Students will acquire basic knowledge of the history of Arabic music and its influence on western music; they will learn how to make Arabic food and develop positive attitudes toward cultural diversity. Other relevant themes will include world history, health, science and math.
Students will be encouraged to take risks as language learners as the learning environment will be positive and supportive. Students will be expected to communicate, interpret and present in beginning / intermediate levels. They will be assessed formally and informally on how well they meet the objectives of the lessons.
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LAUSD Director for STARTALK:
Harry Haskell
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Student's Sample Work at Bell high in 2008:
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