Learning Chinese Gaining Popularity in Schools

If you think back to when you were in high school chances are Chinese was not among the language offerings. French, Spanish and Latin were certainly the big three. And for the most part they still are today. But these days a growing number of school districts are offering Chinese as early as middle school. There are about a dozen districts in Greater Cleveland that are offering it, including Beachwood. It's in the process of fazing Chinese in and fazing French out. Now in its third year, there are about 70 students in the program. Phil Wagner is assistant superintendent of the Beachwood Schools and oversees the curriculum. ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke with him about the change.