Some friends from North Port asked us some question in an email regarding the level of English we encountered in the school. The question went on to ask if we are doing what we thought we would be doing at the school. Excellent questions.
First, we really didn't know what to expect. For that matter, we still don't know what to expect. We expected to start at a basic level of English. MJ teaches the ABC's through 4th grade. On the other hand, 10th grade is mostly very good.
A major problem at the school is that anyone who has the money can enroll their children. Students at the 10th grade with 2nd grade English cause a major problem for the entire system. Advanced students get bored with the time spent on the weak students and at the same time, weak students are floundering. I have spoken and will speak very loudly to the "powers that be" that you can't have your cake and eat it too. Either control entrance requirements OR forever resign yourself to the fact that the institution is going to be second rate. This is a major problem for the school because they need the income and yet can't afford a second rate reputation. In Bahrain, we "bit the bullet" for two years financially and established our reputation. I believe they must do the same thing here.
A second major problem is teacher stability. There is way too much of a revolving door of teachers. There are many reasons for this. The leadership is going to have to consider the question of teacher retention. As this is being written my co-teacher at the high school level is considering leaving the school. This would be a serious problem for sustainability of the English program for the future not too mention immediate problems for me.
Comments have been made about the pictures of our students in uniforms. ALL students in ALL schools, both public and private wear uniforms. Teachers wear uniforms not only in schools, but employees in many businesses wear uniforms. In some ways this is a must for older students and adults. We have never seen so many low cut necklines in our life. "Bow wow" outfits don't even need the "bow" to make the WOW!! Our greatest surprise is that this includes dressing for church.
I suspose I will have a request for more pictures now!
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4 comments:
Yes, bring them on.
You brought up the subject.
A good teacher provides visual aids to illustrate their point.
So is this a good time to ask if you are adapting to the culture?
I am late reading this as we were in Maryland. I initially thought bow wow uniform would be something put on the family dog. Of course Bob C. said this; who else?
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