Minnesota

International education efforts in Minnesota are at a very early stage, yet have high-level support and are moving quickly. In 2008, a World Languages Coordinator was appointed. Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed legislation to develop and provide school districts with Mandarin Chinese language programs. The legislation passed with an allocation of $250,000, and a taskforce of more than 100 business leaders and Chinese language and education experts was convened to develop and provide school districts with common curriculum, materials and classroom assessments for Mandarin Chinese. Task Force recommendations were released in the form of a report, and the governor has requested $500,000 in funding to expand the Chinese language programs across the state. Two delegations of education leaders, organized by the state government, traveled to China to develop partnerships for student and teacher exchanges, discuss possible joint degree programs and to increase international awareness. The University of Minnesota’s China Center has also negotiated with the Chinese government to open a Confucius Institute.

In his 2007 State of the State address, Governor Pawlenty announced his World-Class Students initiative, which would require students in grades 7-12 to take four years of a world language. Legislation including these changes has been introduced and is being debated. His plan would also strengthen teacher training in math, science, and world languages.