Ms. Cathy Wang (王翘楚) is a Mandarin Chinese teacher at Redondo Union High School in California, an AP Professional Learning Consultant and AP Chinese Reader with the College Board, an ACTFL OPI Tester in Mandarin, an Induction Program mentor, and a master teacher for candidates in the Teaching Credential Program. She is passionate about helping students develop language proficiency, foster intercultural understanding, and experience the joy of language learning.

Since 2022, Ms. Wang has led the transformation and expansion of the Redondo Union High School Chinese Program into a nationally recognized model program. Through curriculum innovation, vertical articulation, teacher leadership, and a strong commitment to student-centered instruction, the program has experienced significant enrollment growth and was recognized with the 2025 CLASS National Outstanding K-16 Chinese Program Award. In 2022, she was honored as the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS) Teacher of the Year. She regularly presents at national conferences and mentors new teachers and credential candidates, helping to strengthen the future pipeline of world language educators.

Ms. Wang believes that meaningful learning happens when students feel seen, challenged, and supported, and that effective professional learning is rooted in collaboration, reflection, and continuous growth. She is committed to creating equitable, culturally responsive, and proficiency-focused learning experiences that empower students and teachers alike.

As an AP Professional Learning Consultant, Ms. Wang is excited to learn alongside fellow educators, share best practices, and support teachers in building engaging and inclusive AP Chinese classrooms where all students can thrive.
 Qiaochu (Cathy) Wang
Conference Presentations
  • 2025中文教师座谈会—共筑桥梁：中文教育的传承与创新 • Washington, D.C. • December 2025
    • 中文项目如何从“有人教”走向“能长期发展”—在美国公立学校推动中文项目的实践经验
  • ACTFL Convention • New Orleans, LA • November 2025
    • Empowering Language Programs: Inspiring Learners, Leading Change
  • AP Annual Conference • Las Vegas, NV • July 2024
    • Mastering AP Chinese Presentational Writing: From Basics to Brilliance
  • National Chinese Language Conference • New York, NY • April 2023
    • Apply Three Modes of Communication Tasks to Develop Chinese Literacy Skills
  • CLASS Frontline 2023 Chinese New Year Session • Virtual • January 2023
    • Teaching Ideas for the Spring Festival
  • ACTFL Convention • Boston, MA • November 2022
    • Apply OPI Assessment Criteria to Design Interpersonal Communication Tasks
  • CLTA-SC Spring 2022 Pedagogy Workshop • Virtual • April 2022
    • Apply ACTFL Three Modes of Communication Tasks to Develop Chinese Literacy Skills
 COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 4-Day Interactive Summer Institute empowers AP Chinese educators to navigate the NEW AP Chinese Language and Culture course and exam, built on World-Readiness Standards for curriculum development and language performance. A core focus is to compare the old and new versions of the AP Chinese course and exam, offering a clear roadmap for preparation and a smooth transition to the updated framework. Educators will gain practical strategies and a wealth of resources to elevate teaching and learning while ensuring alignment with the latest standards.
Participants will:
  • Review the updated AP course description, exam format, course audit criteria, and sample syllabi.
  • Gain hands-on experience assessing student responses using AP rubrics and grading criteria.
  • Explore research-supported best practices for creating a communicative, immersive classroom.
  • Learn step-by-step strategies to strengthen student performance in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes, supported by innovative technology tools. 
  • Design authentic, student-centered projects with diverse real-world materials
  • Connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with fellow educators.

Agenda
DAY 1: Monday
Morning
  • Introduction 
  • Agenda for the AP Chinese Summer Institute 
  • College Board's Equity Statement 
  • Newly created course and exam description (CED)
  • Overview of the NEW AP Chinese Course and exam 
  • World-Readiness Standards & three modes of communication
  • AP Community Online Resources
Afternoon 
  • NEW Course New Framework
  • NEW AP Course Audit
  • Integration of Six themes
  • Sample Syllabi
  • Skills categories, can-do Statements, and guidelines 
  • AP Classroom 
  • Unit Plan Task in Action  
Tuesday 
Morning 
  • Overview of NEW exam items
  • Strategies for multiple choice questions 
  • Simulated exam-taking for free responses 
  • Analysis of sample responses in alignment with scoring guidelines
Afternoon
  • Simulated exam-taking for free responses items (Cont.)
  • Analysis of sample responses in alignment with scoring guidelines (Cont.)
  • Unit Plan Task in Action (Cont.)

Wednesday 
    Morning 
  • Effective teaching strategies for diverse learners 
  • Instructional strategies and activities
  • Incorporating authentic materials to create authentic tasks and projects
  • ACTFL’s Integrated Performance Assessment 
Afternoon
  • Listening and speaking strategies and practice 
  • Reading and writing strategies and practice 
  • Teaching cultural perspective - beyond product and practice
  • Incorporation of authentic materials and authentic tasks and projects (Cont.)
  • ACTFL’s Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA Cont.)

​Thursday 
Morning
  • Group presentations of authentic tasks and projects (Cont.) 
  • Critiques and Analysis: Integrated Performance Assessment 
Afternoon
  • Building a vertical team and advocacy 
  • Technology tools for enhancing teaching/learning 
  • Community outreach and resources
  • Q&A, wrap-ups, and next steps ​