Last August, the Okaloosa County School district introduced a new foreign language class at three high schools
Eight months later, students enrolled in Chinese I with teacher Ching-Ching Shen at Choctawhatchee, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville are not only enjoying it but demanding more.
“I would love to take Chinese II,” said Niceville sophomore Jack Ratley. “If Ms. Shen will offer it as Chinese III, I will take it. … It’s a language I’m actually going to use.”
He wasn’t alone. Even seniors who take the class as an elective plan to pursue it as long as they can.
“I signed up for it junior year thinking it would be kind of fun just to try it one year,” said senior and classmate Kaitlyn Brown. “ … Now I’m going to pursue it in college.”
Watch Shen working with students at Niceville »
Word about the course has spread rapidly and all three schools are considering adding not only another Chinese I class but a Chinese II class.
“Every freshman, sophomore I talk to I say, ‘Take this (class),’ ” Niceville senior James Bentley said.
The Okaloosa County School Board expressed support for the growing program Monday when it approved the Chinese II curriculum.
According to Steve Horton, the director of secondary education, the school district knew it needed to expand the program as soon as registration for the 2013-14 school year began.
“It really is the student interest that is driving the second year of the course,” Horton said.
Shen said students already can write more than 200 words and speak about the weather, their families and introduce themselves.
“I can converse in Chinese conversation with students now,” Shen said. “I’m so absolutely proud.”
Fort Walton Beach Principal Charlene Couvillon said enrollment in the Chinese II course is a little low, but that’s because so many seniors took Chinese I this year. Enrollment in the Chinese I course was growing, though, so it appeared the dip would be a one-year issue.
Choctaw is seeing a similar trend, Assistant Principal Brooke Lord said.
As of Wednesday, Niceville had 22 students registered for Chinese II and at least two classes worth of students for Chinese I, according to Principal Rodney Nobles.
Crestview High School Assistant Principal Brandon McSween said administrators there are trying to figure out a way to offer a Chinese I class.
“We know that it’s the most spoken language in the world,” McSween said.
High school principals said they are looking for a second instructor to help meet the demand.
“It’s a challenge,” Nobles said. “If anyone out there is interested and certified, contact one of … us.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.