2014 Tennessee Code
Title 49 - Education
Chapter 6 - Elementary and Secondary Education
Part 10 - Curriculum Generally
§ 49-6-1029 - Mastery of and proficiency in foreign languages.

(a) The department of education, working with the Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis and the Confucius Institute at Middle Tennessee State University, shall study and assess the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) proficiency tests, which were developed using the latest research methodology in foreign language testing for non-native speakers. The HSK tests measure non-native speakers' ability to use the Chinese language in work, studies and personal life situations. The department shall specifically study the development of the young learners' test (YCT), which measures proficiency in Chinese for students fifteen (15) years of age or younger, and its standards. Such study shall be performed for the purpose of establishing a pilot program modeled on the development of HSK testing that will aid in the construction of diagnostic tools for the determination of mastery and proficiency in other foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels.

(b) The Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis and the Confucius Institute at Middle Tennessee State University, shall study and assess the HSK proficiency tests, which were developed using the latest research methodology in foreign language testing for non-native speakers. The HSK tests measure non-native speakers' ability to use the Chinese language in work, studies and personal life situations. The institutes shall specifically study the development of the proficiency tests for non-native speakers (HSK) and the business Chinese test (BCT) and their standards. Such study shall be performed for the purpose of establishing a pilot program modeled on the development of the HSK testing that will aid in the construction of diagnostic tools for the determination of mastery and proficiency in other foreign languages at the postsecondary level.