Elmbrook to Offer Chinese Mandarin Classes

The Elmbrook School District plans to add Chinese Mandarin language instruction at its two high schools next fall.

The move is part of a growing trend, with 14 other Wisconsin high schools already offering Chinese.

The Oak Creek Franklin district offers four levels of Chinese, taught by a visiting professor, according to Elmbrook officials. The Waunakee and Middleton school districts are sharing a teacher to offer Chinese for the first time.

The Elmbrook School Board approved developing Spanish I and II courses next spring and summer for start next fall at Brookfield Central and East High schools. About 50 to 60 students are expected to enroll in the courses.

It would cost about $28,000 to purchase all the textbooks, materials and software needed, develop curricula and train staff.

Gerhard Fischer, a DPI consultant for international and world languages, told BrookfieldNOW.com that there are various opportunities for finding quality Chinese language instructors. Visiting teachers are one method, according to the BrookfieldNOW report.