Chapter 3
Building Institutional Capacity for Arabic Classes in Schools
Through cost-sharing grants, we have empowered 48 programs to independently grow robust Arabic programs that stand the test of time.
Our commitment to advancing Arabic language learning goes beyond traditional grant-making: It is about championing a self-sustaining program model supported by the community in state-funded schools and developing the framework for a solid learning pipeline from elementary through university. Our support coupled with district investment allows for program growth, expansion, and learning continuity, which also increases motivation for students’ learning across grade levels.
- Minneapolis Public Schools’ Arabic pathway saw student enrollment climb from 143 in 2022 to 177 in 2023, with the district’s cost share contribution rising from 48% to 62%.
- New Haven Public Schools expanded its Arabic offerings, serving 466 students, thanks to a team of 10 Arabic teachers. The district’s investment, aided by our seed funding, raised its cost share from 60% to 72%.
- The LEARN project in Italy, introduced Arabic to three primary schools in Tuscany, marking a significant step toward incorporating the language into an Italian education system.
- In 2023, QFI served as the only Arabic language representative on the Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) committee whose primary goal is to advance the quality of Dual-Language school programs in the United States.
New Haven Public Schools
Expanding Arabic offerings sustainably
Serving 466 students, New Haven Public Schools expanded its Arabic offerings to four schools with a team of 8 Arabic teachers. The district’s investment, aided by our seed funding, raised its cost share from 60% to 72%, underscoring the sustainable expansion enabled by our support. The “Accelerate Your Arabic” (AYA) program further illustrates our commitment to student success and language proficiency. Students can now achieve high proficiency levels and aim for the Seal of Biliteracy.
LEARN Project in Italy
Expanding horizons
In Italy, QFI’s collaboration with Good World Citizen, University of Florence, and USR Toscana introduced the LEARN project to three schools in Florence and Sesto Fiorentino, marking a significant step toward integrating Arabic into the curricular offerings of Italian primary schools, fostering a multicultural and multiethnic understanding among students.
As part of our broader strategy to strengthen local partnerships, this project has established a solid foundation for future Italian expansion, aiming to engage more communities and universities supporting Arabic learning.
“The LEARN project, to our knowledge, is the only project in Italy that provides the teaching of the Arabic language and culture in primary schools as a curricular subject.”
Dr. Haifa Alsakkaf
Minneapolis Public Schools’ Arabic Pathway
Increasing feeder schools
Minneapolis Public Schools’ Arabic pathway, now including Arabic in the International Baccalaureate program, saw student enrollment climb from 143 in 2022 to 177 in 2023, with the district’s cost share contribution rising from 48% to 62%, signaling growing program sustainability. Harry Malone-Povolny from Minneapolis Public Schools writes, “We are excited to maintain the Pathway and include Arabic in the International Baccalaureate program next year.”
To increase feeder school options, Minneapolis added a new middle school feeder into the program this fall. Both middle schools are aligned with high schools to maintain a multi-year Arabic experience. As more students are introduced to Arabic in middle school, more students will continue with Arabic in high school. The school district is investing in these additional feeder programs to ensure a fully sustainable high school program with strong student enrollment.
Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) Alliance
Ensuring Arabic is represented at the intersection of teaching and policy
In 2023, QFI continued to develop the network of leaders, educators, and policymakers committed to advancing the teaching of Arabic and expanding access to Arabic as a global language in schools. This includes collaborating with stakeholders on education and language policy and practice.
As a member of the DLI Alliance, a network of K-12 practitioners and education researchers mainly based in the US, we are focused on deepening connections and leveraging research to inform policy and practice to advance quality and build capacity in dual-language immersion for Arabic language. Through our work in the DLI Alliance and our support of Arabic DLI programs in schools, as the only Arabic language representative on the committee, our input will ensure representation of Arabic DLI programs at the dual-language immersion conference at Salt Lake City, Utah in October 2024.
