CAIS Institute Award of Innovation for 2010

Click Here to Apply Online


CAIS Institute Award of Innovation recognizes an exceptional Chinese (Mandarin) language program which has, through innovative design, furthered the growth and success of the Chinese program in their school. This 2nd annual award is intended to promote Chinese programs that have designed and integrated innovative ideas and models to maximize language proficiency and academic achievement. Innovative programs are assessed in five categories:

  • Teaching methodology
  • Materials and Resources
  • Incorporating culture
  • Cross-curriculum integration of Chinese
  • Extending Chinese Beyond the Classroom

Applicants must address each innovation category and how it relates to their program in order to be considered. Individual categories will be evaluated independently as well as within the entire program context.

The award is presented annually to a pre-collegiate Chinese language program and consists of a certificate of recognition and a monetary award in the amount of $5,000 to use for further program development and/or teacher professional development.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 15, 2010

Eligibility Requirements

The award is open to K-12 schools with Chinese language programs in the United States. To be considered for the CAIS Institute Award of Innovation, each school must meet the established criteria by providing the following:

Program Overview

  1. A comprehensive description of the Mandarin program, including:
    • An outline of the school’s programs, mission statement, and vision
    • A detailed description of the instructional language program for all grade levels
    • A description, with examples, of how the comprehensive curriculum for Chinese learners is aligned to the standards at all grade levels
    • Program learning goals and expectations set forth by the school
  2. Substantial evidence of target language proficiency and academic achievement for students in the program

Criteria for Submissions

  1. Teaching Methodology - Please provide a description of the teaching methodologies and principles currently utilized in your Chinese language program. Be sure to reference research-based instructional strategies whenever possible. Limit 250 words
  2. Materials and Resources - - Please provide a description of specialized materials and resources that have positively shaped your language program. Please describe how these materials have shaped your program. Include full listings of all equipment, software programs, textbooks, and other teaching tools that are currently being used. Limit 250 words
  3. Incorporating Culture - Please describe what role Chinese culture plays in your language program and how it is incorporated into the classroom setting. Be sure to reference research-based instructional strategies whenever possible. Limit 250 words
  4. Cross-Curriculum Integration - Please provide a description of your Chinese language curriculum and how themes are linked to other subjects to reinforce and augment Chinese language learning. Limit 250 words
  5. Extending Chinese Beyond the Classroom - Please highlight any parts of your program that encourage students to use what they have learned in your Chinese program outside of the classroom. Limit 250 words

Please upload any additional documents or attachments that support your application.

If your school can demonstrate and submit the documentation of the above criteria, we invite you to continue to fill out the online nomination form on our website.

Applicants must submit the supporting documentation separately (via mail, email, or fax) to:

CAIS Institute Award of Innovation
Attn: Nicole Wilson, Program Manager
44 Page Street, Suite 403
San Francisco, CA 94102
Fax: (415) 861-0266
Tel: (415) 861-7366
Email: cecinfo@caisinstitute.org

Nomination Procedures

Applicants for the CAIS Institute Award of Innovation can be either nominated by others or self-nominated. CAIS Institute encourages schools that meet the above specified criteria to consider applying for the award. As such, we welcome nominations of schools you feel are qualified to apply for the Award.

Letters of Nomination should briefly highlight the qualifications of the candidate and must include the school’s name and complete contact information for the school administration.

CAIS Institute will accept Letters of Nomination at any time and will inform candidates that they have been nominated for the Award. Those nominated must submit a full application as indicated above. Note: Mailed applications must be postmarked by March 12, 2010.

Chinese American International School employees and programs are not eligible for the CAIS Institute Award of Innovation.