The Current State of K-12 Public and Public Charter School Arabic Language Programs A QFI survey of 106 Public and Public Charter School Arabic Programs. and @QFINTL
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Results are as of November 2013.
About QFI 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.
Survey Methodology Since 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.
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
Findings How many students are enrolled in your program?
45
16
1-100
students
schools
2
students
schools
3
601-700 students
schools
2
0
20
10+
1
1
13
1991
1998
3
2009
4
2007
2006 2012
2005
How did your school find an Arabic teacher?
Levels
Schools
2
36 Standard hiring process 17
3
65
Programs
2010 2011
8
2002
What levels of Arabic are taught at your school?
79
13
2003
1
2001
7
6
4
3
1988
programs
13 2008
1
8
years
Number of programs by year established
Programs
programs
40
Students
students
2
19
years
701-800
schools
programs
5-10
students
Programs
2
35
years
501-600
schools
programs
2-5 3
2
3
401-500
16
students
schools
23
years
21
9
301-400
3
201-300
0-2
students
19
7
capacity?
101-200
schools
students
schools
How long has your school
What is the average size of your Arabic classrooms?
28 Advertising
4
44
Partnership with university
16
9 Personal relationship with teacher 18 Teacher found in district
5
24
Word of mouth
3 Job Fairs
10
12
N/A / Unsure
Why did your school choose to have an Arabic program? Schools
15
37 Teacher found in district
15
11
9
Increase cultural understanding
Teacher was available
Charter/magnet school
17
15
Funding opportunities
17
Open up opportunities for students
Other
"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.”
What is the biggest challenge for the Arabic program? 24
Community
Funding
22
25
20
18
15 Curriculum materials
Arabic community ties
5 Finding a teacher
Parents
Administrative Administrative
Students
"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."
Why do programs discontinue?
What is the most rewarding thing about the Arabic program?
School priority changed
30 24 Students gaining global understanding
Student excitement
23 Opportunities the program opens up
17 13
12
20%
Don't remember
4%
32%
Funding or budget cuts
Other Teacher
Growing the program
24%
Teacher left or retired
“It is a "feather in our cap" to have an Arabic program, especially since we are the only high
20%
Not enough response or student enrollment
received inquiries from surrounding districts and schools asking about the possibility of extending our Arabic programs through technology and distance learning options.”
Key Takeaways
Finding and retaining a quality teacher is critical for success of program
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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!
info@qfi.org