Thursday, April 13, 2006
Wants Accelerated French
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am currently in 8th Grade going into 9th Grade next year. I have a problem with one of my classes: French. I LOVE French. It is my favorite class by far. I am currently in the Honors Program and I am in Level 1-Honors French.
Last year, I took French for 7th grade. I was recommended for 2 Honors French, but the problem is that next year, Honors and Regular are mixed as there is only one teacher. I believe he teaches Spanish as well, but our school has plenty of Spanish teachers; why can't he just teach only French? This way, he can teach 2R, 2H, 3R, 3H, and 4AP. This would allow separation between advanced students and regular students; as an honors student, I feel this is necessary for a proper learning environment, especially due to the fact that as an honors student, I like the class to go faster, especially in a harder class, such as French.
My main concern, if together, is how the regulars would react. In 1H, we've learned so much extra material and I love learning more as it allows me to speak, write, and understand more comprehensive French.
I don't know how to approach the situation. Should I talk to my French teacher? Should I talk to my guidance counselor? Should I write a letter to my high school?
Should I talk to the department chair of my current school? The department chair of my high school? Should I call my high school?
I do not know how to properly attack this situation and I want true results. I will NOT allow an honors and regular class to be together.
Thank you,
Confused on how to attack a situation
*****
Dear Confused,
This is a problem that many schools have...finding a way to distribute teachers and also provide for the needs of all students. What you're describing is a common situation, especially in beginning French and Spanish classes.
I understand your problem completely. You want to learn as fast as possible and not have to wait around for people whose skills (and possibly motivation) lag behind yours. You can definitely voice your concerns to the school. The principal is a good place to start. I'd even suggest writing a letter to the Board of Education. They should know what's going on as well.
Unfortunately, I doubt anything you do at the moment will be helpful for the upcoming year. Staffing levels are usually set for next year very early and schools usually do a good job of knowing how many kids want each course. In other words, unless you do something unusual, I think you are stuck taking French with the regular students.
And that's where you have an opportunity to try something new. Do you have a local community or four year college that offers French? These courses usually move faster and cover more than high school courses. And you'll be with older people who probably take the education more seriously. And there's a good chance they run at night, so you won't interfere with school if you decide to take it. On line courses may be an option also, although these are difficult for a course that relies on talking and listening.
Of course you have a lot of things to consider. Transportation, the cost, other activities, whether or not your school will give you credit for a college course - these are all things you and your parents will have to think about.
But for someone who REALLY wants to move their French education along, it's worth doing some research and seeing if it makes sense to you. If you're willing to do somthing different and make some sacrfices, this might be another option. And I bet there are others you think of on your own if you get serious about learning as much French as possible.
Good Luck!
The Guidance Guy
I am currently in 8th Grade going into 9th Grade next year. I have a problem with one of my classes: French. I LOVE French. It is my favorite class by far. I am currently in the Honors Program and I am in Level 1-Honors French.
Last year, I took French for 7th grade. I was recommended for 2 Honors French, but the problem is that next year, Honors and Regular are mixed as there is only one teacher. I believe he teaches Spanish as well, but our school has plenty of Spanish teachers; why can't he just teach only French? This way, he can teach 2R, 2H, 3R, 3H, and 4AP. This would allow separation between advanced students and regular students; as an honors student, I feel this is necessary for a proper learning environment, especially due to the fact that as an honors student, I like the class to go faster, especially in a harder class, such as French.
My main concern, if together, is how the regulars would react. In 1H, we've learned so much extra material and I love learning more as it allows me to speak, write, and understand more comprehensive French.
I don't know how to approach the situation. Should I talk to my French teacher? Should I talk to my guidance counselor? Should I write a letter to my high school?
Should I talk to the department chair of my current school? The department chair of my high school? Should I call my high school?
I do not know how to properly attack this situation and I want true results. I will NOT allow an honors and regular class to be together.
Thank you,
Confused on how to attack a situation
*****
Dear Confused,
This is a problem that many schools have...finding a way to distribute teachers and also provide for the needs of all students. What you're describing is a common situation, especially in beginning French and Spanish classes.
I understand your problem completely. You want to learn as fast as possible and not have to wait around for people whose skills (and possibly motivation) lag behind yours. You can definitely voice your concerns to the school. The principal is a good place to start. I'd even suggest writing a letter to the Board of Education. They should know what's going on as well.
Unfortunately, I doubt anything you do at the moment will be helpful for the upcoming year. Staffing levels are usually set for next year very early and schools usually do a good job of knowing how many kids want each course. In other words, unless you do something unusual, I think you are stuck taking French with the regular students.
And that's where you have an opportunity to try something new. Do you have a local community or four year college that offers French? These courses usually move faster and cover more than high school courses. And you'll be with older people who probably take the education more seriously. And there's a good chance they run at night, so you won't interfere with school if you decide to take it. On line courses may be an option also, although these are difficult for a course that relies on talking and listening.
Of course you have a lot of things to consider. Transportation, the cost, other activities, whether or not your school will give you credit for a college course - these are all things you and your parents will have to think about.
But for someone who REALLY wants to move their French education along, it's worth doing some research and seeing if it makes sense to you. If you're willing to do somthing different and make some sacrfices, this might be another option. And I bet there are others you think of on your own if you get serious about learning as much French as possible.
Good Luck!
The Guidance Guy
