What is a Confucius Classroom?

Confucius Classrooms are special programs initiated and supported by Confucius Institute Headquarters (CIHQ). It is usually established in local primary and secondary schools. The focus of this program is to help K-12 schools start or strengthen their Chinese language and culture programs by providing text books, funds, teaching equipment, and free teachers. TSUCI is an authorized local management organization of the Confucius Classroom program. Interested schools can apply to establish a Confucius Classroom based on willingness and agreement.

As of August 16, 2017, there are 8 Confucius Classrooms hosted by the following schools in the Houston areas:
1. Barbra Jordan International School
2. The Rhodes School of Living Word
3. Ball High School
4. Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet
5. Mandarin Immersion Magnet School
6. Parker Elementary School
7. Top Star Academy
8. Houston Dragon Academy
9. Gregg Elementary School
10. Happy Weekend Chinese Class

How to Apply to Establish a Confucius Classroom

STEP 1: All interested schools should meet the following requirements:
1. Must be a government accredited education entity
2. School must be located in the greater Houston metropolitan area;
3. Willing to develop Chinese cultural programs;
4. Be able to provide necessary teaching facilities, personnel, and funding support required for a Confucius Classroom.

STEP 2: The applicant schools will furnish to the Institute the following application materials:
1. An application letter signed by the principal or the superintendent.
2. Application Proposal.

STEP 3: TSUCI will submit the application letter, proposal, and supporting documents from the Institute to the Confucius Institute Headquarters for approval.

STEP 4: CIHQ will review the application for approval.

STEP 5: Once the application is approved, the TSUCI will sign a cooperation agreement with the school that hosts Confucius Classroom to specify responsibilities, rights, and obligations of both parties. A copy of signed agreement shall be provided to CIHQ for record. Confucius Classroom is officially established.

STEP 6: TSUCI will assist the Confucius Classroom by developing work plans, proposals, applying for teachers/volunteers, and providing teaching materials.

Frequently Asked Questions about Confucius Classrooms

1. What aid and support can a Confucius Classroom get from the CIHQ and TSUCI?
An officially established Confucius Classroom can get the following support from the Headquarters and the Institute:
(1) A Start‐up fund of $10,000 in cash and up to $20,000 for teaching equipment and materials.
(2) Access to over 1,000 volumes of books, audio‐visual, multimedia materials or courseware for Chinese teaching and learning.
(3) Annual operation/project funding support based on the individual Classroom’s operational situation and projects.
(4) Chinese teachers and volunteer teachers provided by CIHQ if necessary.
(5) ISD superintendents, principals and other administrators will have the opportunity to attend sponsored trips to China to conduct educational exchanges with schools in China.
(6) Students of the Confucius Classroom will have opportunities to attend sponsored summer camps to China.
(7) TSUCI will assist the Classroom in management, applications, project development, budget and finances.

2.What obligations will an individual school have if they establish a Confucius Classroom?
An officially established Confucius Classroom can get the following support from the Headquarters and the Institute:
(1) Developing or strengthening Chinese language classes.
(2) The school principal or superintendent takes part in the management of the Confucius Classroom to ensure the success of the Classroom.
(3) Provide personnel and facilities for the Confucius Classroom.
(4) Provide matching funds for the Confucius Classroom if possible.

3. What requirements each school should meet to apply for establishing a Confucius Classroom?
Generally, any government accredited elementary or secondary school can apply for establishing a Confucius Classroom.

4. What documents are required from the school for the application?
(1) A letter from the principal or the superintendent, addressed to the CIHQ and the TSUCI, expressing the willingness and commitment to establish a Confucius Classroom.
(2) Application proposal, which briefly states:
The school’s history, size, courses and levels, local influence of the school, etc.
Demands on Chinese language learning and current situation of Chinese language teaching at the school.
Plan for the prospective Classroom, including Chinese language classes, cultural activities, events, etc.
Other support the school can provide for the Classroom.

5.How long will it take to get approved after submitting the application?
Normally it takes several weeks for the applications to go through different departments in the CIHQ before it is signed for approval by the Head of Confucius Institute Headquarters. The Confucius Institute at TSU will keep close track of the application and keep the school informed of the status of the application.

For more information, please contact TSUCI
Address: MLK center 302, 3100 Cleburne, Houston,TX 77004
Tel:(713)-313-5660; (713)-313-7735
Email: Dr. Roger Hart, Director, hartrp@tsu.edu; Dr. Xiao Yi, Chinese Director, xiao.yi@tsu.edu;

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