DOE Awards Natalie Tran $684,000 for National Resource Center for Asian Languages

Natalie Tran, professor of educational leadership and department of secondary education chair was awarded $684,000 from the Department of Education for the National Resource Center for Asian Languages (NRCAL), of which she is director.

NRCAL was established in 2014 to improve the nation’s capacity for teaching and learning Asian languages, initially focusing on Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Khmer. Funds will be used to further develop instructional resources and professional development, with the aim of enhancing teaching, learning and research of these less commonly taught languages (LCTLs). The center aims to meet this target through: researching dual language immersion, including the integration of technology; developing resources and teaching materials for dual immersion and world (foreign) language teachers in K-16 settings; provisioning professional development for teachers focusing on effective teaching strategies, assessment and educational technology; developing and applying assessment tools and practices; collaborating with and engaging the community; and disseminating knowledge, materials and resources.

To achieve these goals, NRCAL will comprise various partners, including the College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, librarians, PreK-12 school districts — Westminster School District, Highline Public Schools, Garden Grove Unified School District and Anaheim Union High School District — Klein Independent School District, Portland Public Schools, the Association of the Vietnamese Language & Culture Schools and the Khmer Parent Association, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, National Foreign Language Resource Center and the Council of Teachers of Southeast Asian Languages.

Read more about Tran's award at CSUF News Service.