Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 23:56     Subject: Re:Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
OP here - I agree with the lack of FL study skills for students entering MS. It's very different from their previous classes. Son actually has a tiny bit of FL learning experience with my native language, but much less formal than what he's doing now for Spanish (and upgraded lol.)

But... I was hoping the teacher would go more over study skills and such? Or maybe they just need to get used to it and learn from their mistakes? I don't know Spanish and I considered a tutor, but kiddo is already feeling like I'm stressing him out about it and there's so much going on right now (many changes in 6th grade) that I don't want to insist on this at the moment.

I really wish they had a textbook, though.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 23:28     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The foreign language grading rubrics are calibrated to a B. You have to go over and above the requirements of the assignment to get an A. Not every teacher applies the rubric in the same way, but that is what it says.


That was kind of my impression as well from seeing the rubric for the one quiz*. But can you explain where it says this? I take it this is different from other classes? I'm totally OK with high standards as long as they're clear. I'm just not sure they should start so rough with Spanish 1, though of course, it may also be because it's AB.... it's still most kids' first experience with a foreign language class.

Also, I'm kind of miffed that they don't have a textbook or something of the like... it seems like he just goes through notes and videos to practice...

*In fact, if you got "Meets expectations- strong" for all components, that would also have been a C.


Each written assignment, speaking assignment comes with a chart rubric like the one you are describing. That is where the information is provided. A lot of the issue with Middle School is that the students do not know how to study. English grammar instruction is hit or miss, so learning and practicing grammar in a foreign language is a much more regimented process. Also vocabulary study is challenging. Some students are also more natural foreign language learners than others. Our MS has eliminated A/B FL for 6th graders.


This is what I came to say too. They don't use textbooks, and kids don't have study skills, so I think OP's kid needs a tutor or a parent to help show how to study.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 23:16     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The foreign language grading rubrics are calibrated to a B. You have to go over and above the requirements of the assignment to get an A. Not every teacher applies the rubric in the same way, but that is what it says.


That was kind of my impression as well from seeing the rubric for the one quiz*. But can you explain where it says this? I take it this is different from other classes? I'm totally OK with high standards as long as they're clear. I'm just not sure they should start so rough with Spanish 1, though of course, it may also be because it's AB.... it's still most kids' first experience with a foreign language class.

Also, I'm kind of miffed that they don't have a textbook or something of the like... it seems like he just goes through notes and videos to practice...

*In fact, if you got "Meets expectations- strong" for all components, that would also have been a C.


Each written assignment, speaking assignment comes with a chart rubric like the one you are describing. That is where the information is provided. A lot of the issue with Middle School is that the students do not know how to study. English grammar instruction is hit or miss, so learning and practicing grammar in a foreign language is a much more regimented process. Also vocabulary study is challenging. Some students are also more natural foreign language learners than others. Our MS has eliminated A/B FL for 6th graders.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 21:51     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Anonymous wrote:So far my DS's FL 1AB class is the only one he's getting a B in (6th grade, but he's in AMP7+ for math, is >97th percentile on both MAPs etc - in summary, a very good student). Maybe it's him, but I actually find the rubric to be kind of harsh. Like he got a C on a quiz where he got "Exceeds expectations" for 1 rubric, and "Meets expectations" for 2 rubrics ("Strong" for 1 and "Minimal" for 1). How is that a C and not a B?

Anyway, I don't want to whine and it's not like I've discussed this with the teacher, I just told him to talk to her to make sure he understands what he's getting wrong. Is the idea that they're harsh in 1AB so the kids get used to working hard, or is this simply his weakest subject? (Which is OK, but I still want him to try to improve.) He's finding all his other classes super easy for now.


MS Teacher here (not language though). Foreign language tends to be one of the more difficult subjects - but mostly because it's a lot of work to keep up with. Spanish AB moves FAST. There is an alternative to stretch it out - where you take the semester course as a year-long course. The guidance counselor can help set that up if need be. The downside is that it takes longer to fulfill that requirement, BUT it depends on what the student picks as their program for graduation- some programs do not require an FL component (mostly trade, IT, ect). Page 14 of this will explain it a bit better hopefully!

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/curriculum/middleschool/0446.22_2022-23_MS_CourseBulletin.pdf
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 21:37     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Anonymous wrote:The foreign language grading rubrics are calibrated to a B. You have to go over and above the requirements of the assignment to get an A. Not every teacher applies the rubric in the same way, but that is what it says.


That was kind of my impression as well from seeing the rubric for the one quiz*. But can you explain where it says this? I take it this is different from other classes? I'm totally OK with high standards as long as they're clear. I'm just not sure they should start so rough with Spanish 1, though of course, it may also be because it's AB.... it's still most kids' first experience with a foreign language class.

Also, I'm kind of miffed that they don't have a textbook or something of the like... it seems like he just goes through notes and videos to practice...

*In fact, if you got "Meets expectations- strong" for all components, that would also have been a C.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 21:17     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
The foreign language grading rubrics are calibrated to a B. You have to go over and above the requirements of the assignment to get an A. Not every teacher applies the rubric in the same way, but that is what it says.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 21:17     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Definitely the world language and math classes Algebra and higher. These are high school level classes. My oldest did Spanish 1AB as a sixth grader and did well but it was so much easier for my younger child because the school switched to just 1A for sixth grade.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 20:08     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Be glad you have a good student. You worry about a B. For the struggling student, charting the appropriate path for math and FL course is high stakes. It means the difference between going to college, or not. Graduating college, or not.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:32     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
First 1 or 2 are ok, Spanish 3 is hard
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:32     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Foreign language and advanced math classes are usually the most challenging. Not surprisingly, they're the two that can count on your high school transcripts. DD is in Honors Geo and FL 2 as a 7th grader, and this is where she has to put in a little work.

A B is easily pushed to an A, OP, and it's good for your kid to sweat a little.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:27     Subject: Re:Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
It's Spanish, which should be the easiest one, right? Not even sure if he can still drop to a lower level at this point...
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:26     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
OP what language?

And is this class advanced? Because if it is drop him down.

No reason to take honors language none.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:22     Subject: Re:Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
Yes, the foreign language and math classes tend to be the hard ones.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:17     Subject: Re:Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
OP here. Just wanted to add - sure glad this doesn't count for their HS GPA anymore! It would be ridiculous to count a class they take at age 11 for that (and yes, I know it's technically our choice he could have taken 1A or just no FL in 6th.)
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 19:13     Subject: Are foreign languages the hardest classes in MS?
So far my DS's FL 1AB class is the only one he's getting a B in (6th grade, but he's in AMP7+ for math, is >97th percentile on both MAPs etc - in summary, a very good student). Maybe it's him, but I actually find the rubric to be kind of harsh. Like he got a C on a quiz where he got "Exceeds expectations" for 1 rubric, and "Meets expectations" for 2 rubrics ("Strong" for 1 and "Minimal" for 1). How is that a C and not a B?

Anyway, I don't want to whine and it's not like I've discussed this with the teacher, I just told him to talk to her to make sure he understands what he's getting wrong. Is the idea that they're harsh in 1AB so the kids get used to working hard, or is this simply his weakest subject? (Which is OK, but I still want him to try to improve.) He's finding all his other classes super easy for now.