Chapel Hill Schools May Cut Chinese Program

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system is considering eliminating one of its most iconic academic programs. A report commissioned by the district recommends eliminating the Chinese dual-language emersion program.

Dave DeWitt: Teachers in the program teach half the day in English and half the day in Mandarin Chinese. It’s been a popular choice for parents since it was launched in 2002. But with a new elementary school opening in 2013, the district commissioned a report to manage the re-assignment of staff and programs. That report recommends expanding the Spanish dual language offerings, and phasing out the Chinese program. One reason given was the difficulty in finding suitable teachers. That has galvanized parents of students in the Chinese program. They came out in force at a public meeting last week. More meetings are schedule this month to gauge public opinion.