Joslin Elementary transforming into foreign language academy

The Texas Education Agency has given Austin ISD’s Joslin Elementary a $284,000 School Action Fund Grant in order to “reimagine the school through a new foreign language experience,” according to an ASID press release. Joslin will transition over the next several years into Joslin Foreign Language Elementary School, a “one-of-a-kind foreign language hybrid” that will give students exposure to the Chinese culture and language while they continue to take their primary courses in English. The South Austin school’s new principal, ChaoLin Chang, “is fluent in Mandarin and has a proven record in building a successful Mandarin immersion program from the ground up in Houston.” Former PTA President Julie Barschow said, “With Principal Chang’s background and extensive resources, the Joslin community is in an optimal position to bring a Mandarin foreign language program to Joslin Elementary. Offering different levels of exposure to the foreign language program will allow Joslin to remain positioned to serve its current student population, as well as draw in new students from all over the Austin metropolitan area.” The Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Asian Bar Association will be assisting with the transition.