Asia Society Designates School District 158 as a Confucius Classroom

Consolidated School District 158 was recently awarded a designation by the Asia Society as a Confucius Classroom.

The Award was presented Superintendent John Burkey by Zhang Yesui, the Chinese ambassador to the United States earlier this month. District 158 was only one of two school districts in Illinois, and one of only 100 nationally to receive this designation.

The Confucius Classroom designation is based upon the following characteristics:

• High-quality Chinese language program
• Commitment to continue improving quality and to make the program long-term
• Strong leadership and local support
• Willing to act as a model/assistance center for the region
• Vision and capacity to partner with a school in China to enhance language and culture learning, as well as professional and leadership development

District 158 is currently in its fifth year of offering Chinese language education. The program begins in middle school and continues through the capstone AP Chinese at Huntley High School. There are currently approximately 200 students enrolled in the program.

The Asia Society is the premier organization that promotes and evaluates Chinese language programs in the United States. For additional information on the Confucius Classroom designation, visit the Asia society Confucius Classrooms Network or contact District 158 Superintendent, Burkey at 847-659-6158.