(4th) Language Learning: Some Things Never Change

It’s never easy when you grow old(er). I have a feeling that as I am approaching an age where I can remember more presidents that this generation can remember iPhones, there is a need to continuously stay sharp and “relevant” in today’s performance driven environment. 

Leap forward to Monday, June 30th when I signed up to take my fourth official language class. Oddly enough, I always noticed that I had a keen interest in the art of communication. By the time I was in 8th grade, I had given myself creative license with the task of learning a new language in school (Spanish) and was fully embracing my native language (an unofficial language in the states of Nevada and California). In order to learn my native language, I painstakingly put together my own “native language” curriculum from the local library where my parents would grade me (unwillingly) on grammar and linguistic abilities (If only my grandfather, a former government attorney and Dean of Economics, would have seen my father’s “lack of tutoring” skills, he would be disappointed). I would spend entire afternoons writing my notes, then writing them neater, then indulging in my own cerebral processing of what I needed to say if certain conversations were presented to me. I was not given any direction or feedback, only the assurance that each day was a chance to build on a steady foundation of words and cultural nuances that did not exist before.

It has been over a decade since I had formally been in a classroom learning any language, yet it only feels like yesterday. I remember taking Japanese at university and was perplexed at how detail oriented the Sensei was. Needless to say, old habits never die when you are a student. 

I signed up for the class and proceeded in the same way that I approached school when I was younger. I made sure that I was physically, mentally and emotionally prepared. Books, notebooks and materials were ordered and accounted for. My “first day of school” attire uniform that prompted comfort and would allow the teacher to take me seriously was laid out for me the night before. A “power” breakfast in the morning would prepare me  for my day at work that included a 30-minute lunch period where I would “break out” and review the chapter ahead and delineate through vague/ambiguous terminology. I gave myself an hour block  to reach the office that on a “non-Atlanta traffic day” would just be 20 minutes. I created an environment for myself that relied upon planning, organization, and proper execution because, as you all know - there are more than enough factors that one cannot control. Sure enough, there was.

As I finally walked into the class, I felt like the same little girl who entered 1st grade when I was five years old. I was (and still am) painfully shy and could not muster the courage to do anything but grin at my fellow classmates. I sat in the front seat by the teacher so as to not explain to anyone that it has (and always will be) the best seat for me to learn from. I slowly took out the materials from my book bag and had remembered to put my phone on airplane mode so that I would not disturb the other students. After I was settled in, I observed other students and listened in on their conversation from my window, hoping to join in but apprehensive when the invitation would be sent.

When class started it was just like in traditional school (only with a 2 1/2 hour class at 6pm at night). It was highly engaging and involved the use of a SmartBoard which as everyone knows, can be blamed or praised for it’s effectiveness. Interactions were moderately engaging and I found that there were some people who knew a few basic pronunciation rules and others who probably should have spent a day trying to pick up on some basic vocabulary. I enjoyed the class, the interactions, and felt almost in my element after so many years.

Regardless of who you are and what you do in life, it is hard for some people to turn over a new leaf. We all have individual strengths, challenges, and coping strategies that solidify our true character and make us successful. I know that the only way to succeed is to forecast what your blind spots are: in my case it’s my shyness that I have yet to overcome and my inability to accept failure or mediocrity. Although I cannot speak for anyone else, it’s not such a bad blind spot after all. 

Excited to learn language #4 !

Taking German (because I couldn't finish up Japanese) 

Snail versus Garden

Grade Inflation: How "50%" Is the New "70%"

If you are as wise as I am (note: my generation was the one that grew up without access to mobile technology, internet, or... rechargeable anything?), then you remember how things were much “harder” for us. When there was an assignment that was due in U.S. History class, we relied on the “hard drive” of the librarian that was in our midst to help us sift through different card catalogs to find relevant information for the AP Exam. As the deadline in Honors Chemistry slowly lurked around the corner, you utilized the correction ribbon on the family typewriter to help format this prized possession for your teacher to praise as if it were her first born son. School, for the most part, was more about form and function, than grades and good times.

Fast Forward to 2015 and students are inundated with new and novel ways of distraction that the most important pastime has become a time management public relations outcry: studying. What was formerly the tie that bound groups of students into libraries and living rooms has turned into the commodification of knowledge and endless pursuit of bullying that occurs when your numbers, “just are not good enough”. Oddly enough, I was lambasted at times for ruining the grading curve and this generation does not even know how to study for a quiz that didn’t come from BuzzFeed. 

Instead of completing homework, what I have seen is an abyss of students mindlessly perusing through the black hole of apps that only a part-time correctional officer would have time to enjoy. After this precious screen time that many students deserve for being able to hold a technology device, students pick up any instrument that serves as their secondary distraction before it’s time to catch the less than ideal amount of sleep before they wash, rinse, and repeat all for the next day.

One would think that these behaviors would not have an impact on student performance. Here’s why it has not become a reason for parents to even visit the school's main office:

Over the last few years some systems, both public and private schools (yes, that is correct) have retired the Gaussian/”Bell-Curve” for something new. It makes those that work hard to earn their grades deserving of every cheap metallic form of appraisal that they receive, and those who do not work hard, pass through the halls of academia with nothing more than a “thank you for coming to the party, here’s your door prize” sentiment that would make those of us who grew up in a meritocracy - cringe.

It’s called the “Square Root Bell Curve”. I must warn you that after reading this, you’ll have to find your old pre-algebra notes from 6th grade to come up with a few practice problems yourself.

Here is how it works:

Take “AddictedtoYouTube”. He takes his final exam in, [insert name of high school science class] and scores a 36. (Yes, that’s his grade, not his waist measurements for prom). You take the square root of 36 (it’s the number that multiplied by itself that gives you the product of 36), which is 6. This new number is multiplied by 10 and results in a new grade: a 60. What that means is that the student who basically spent the last 3-5 weeks sitting in class spending his time retweeting Kim Kardashian updates, did not earn a 36 in the class, but a 60. What about “Can’tPassAPCalc” student? He fails each and every AP Calculus exam. He scores a 50 on the exam and if you take the square root of 50 it’s 7 point something plus a few other numbers. You multiply 7*10 and guess what? He passed APCalculus...

Yes, this phenomena, (or atrocity, depending on your disposition, astrological sign or political affiliation), does not sit well for me. I was troubled to hear that passing students with inadequate skills happens in many classrooms. What alarmed me even more was that even standardized tests have adopted this shifting (on a downward slope) paradigm.

It’s not just grade inflation folks, it’s skills and talent inflation and what it all boils down to is deceiving a huge population of people about what is really on their curriculum vitae. Without assessing what students know, do not know, and need to know, this mainstream practice will only help those who fell through the cracks, and embarrass the rest who are considered “achievement frauds”.

I’m trying to see how this will impact our students as we attempt to surpass our global competitors but after analyzing this raw set of mathematical data I pose to you: will we even know how?

It's All About The JATP Scores, Right?

I've learned from those who do not learn and always smile when the movie in my mind is played every year from unwilling parents who go through the process of Admissions Preparation here in Atlanta.

Private schools here in Atlanta are what they are: private. The information that they wish to share with you is more of a mystery that can only be solved only by watching all of Alfred Hitchcock's movies and talking to the mother who you think is your BFF at the pre-school that your child is in.

Most parents trust those who are willing to give you the information they believe will "tell them what they want to hear". I've heard, and seen, and observed it all. From the neighborhood pre-school to your son's friend whose mother has a friend who is the friend...The list goes on and on and on.

The problem is - they see a snapshot of what they see for that one year. Unless they come from a troupe of 12 children who have enrolled in each of the 10+ schools on the list and have experienced rejection/acceptance letters for each of their children, the outcome is daunting to say the least.

As much as I love to ramble about this process, the fact of the matter is - you should not judge the past performance of what "others" have done to predict the outcome of your child. Everybody is different and until you have an objective view of the school and what it can offer to your child, it is best to use discretion.

If you would like more information about the Admissions Preparation Program at Learning Ridge, feel free to contact Christine at 404-964-8533.  

10 Things To Do On a Snowday

Hi Everyone! Here are some of our favorite suggestions for those of us who are stuck at home due to bad weather on a school day!

1. Get a head start on homework and assignments - that way you can enjoy the weekend more.
2. Prepare lunch together and turn your child into the sous chef of your dreams!
3. Clean your room, desk, backpack.
4. Create something with your child using paper, dough, or blocks.
5. Share a story with your child when you were unexpectedly off from school "Back when I was in 2nd grade, we had a really bad storm..."
6. Facetime/Skype with a favorite family member or grandparents
7. Teach them how to read weather maps, how weather works, and what you can do during power outages.
8. Have hot chocolate and bake cookies!
9. Create a two minute one-act play skit based on their favorite movie and upload it to YouTube!
10. Take some time to think about your long-term educational goals for your student. At Learning Ridge we provide a wide range of educational services to help you get lasting results. 

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