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Health & Fitness

Tolland Schools Need Change in "World Language" Spanish Curriculum

"Table talk" Spanish Essential for Tolland School Curriculum!

 

Are your high school students currently enrolled in Tolland High School’s “World Language” Spanish classes?      

Grades aside, are you satisfied with your student’s “conversational” Spanish progression? Will your student be proficient in “conversational” Spanish after high school? Will your student needconversational” Spanish after high school? Have you expressed “World Language” curriculum concerns to our Tolland Board of Education? In your opinion, is it time for Tolland Schools to take an in-depth look at the current “World Language” curriculum?       

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No school system is “perfect” and Tolland schools were not “perfect” when my children were enrolled. My recent post brought one particular question to mind:  “What grade did they (my children) start getting foreign language? My children began studying Spanish in ninth grade. I do not recall a foreign language class being offered in primary grades.         

There is current debate in a number of U.S. cities over the benefit of teaching foreign languages beginning in primary grades. My three children studied 3-4 years of Spanish at Tolland High School but this was not sufficient. Other than required classroom preparation & participation, they were lacking in Spanish “conversational” skills. My children graduated from Tolland High School unprepared to meet social and professional situations where proficiency in “conversational” Spanish would prove to be an asset.    

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This past week, two Tolland High School students, currently enrolled in 2nd and 3rd year Spanish, were personally asked about their Spanish “conversational” skills outside the classroom. Both agreed they were unable to participate in conversations with friends who do speak Spanish. Perhaps, in time, their command of the language will improve; perhaps not. Many students learn only what is necessary for the classroom; many enroll in a foreign language course because it is required for college entrance. The conversation with the Tolland High students hit home. After 4 years of Spanish classes at Tolland High School, our daughter (“A” student), required the aid of an interpreter when she began a medical career that included Hispanic patients. What’s wrong with this picture?       

Spanish “conversational" skills should be taught beginning in primary grades continuing through high school. A curriculum including Spanish “conversational table talk" (informal conversation on a range of views and subjects) could prove invaluable to students. Our children may never need to write a proper letter in Spanish, but they do need to be educated in a language they will undoubtedly encounter in future endeavors. Today, pre-school children have been exposed to educational learning games and ‘smart’ toys. Primary grade class instructors have opportunity to work with young, bright children eager to learn.

One solution might be for Tolland schools to adjust their current “World Language” curriculum to include primary grade instruction in “conversational” Spanish. Lack of funds is an easy and too-often used excuse. I am aware that Union policy prevents resident volunteers from stepping in to teach in our schools. This is unfortunate as it could be an effective and inexpensive solution.

Our children must be taught language skills necessary to interact intelligently in a complex multi-lingual society. It is fact that International cruise ship staff members learn multiple “conversational” foreign languages in 3 to 4 weeks of limited class instruction.                             

My message is simple. If you are satisfied with the way things are going in your student’s “World Language” Spanish class, that’s good enough for you. If your advanced Spanish student is floundering with basic Spanish “conversational” skills, not so good! Our Tolland school children hold the keys to success. It’s up to you to help open the doors!  KWITCHURBELIAKEN” and become involved.  Gracias! 

   

 

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