High School Classes

Take it from a guy that struggled to get through my foreign language requirements, take the four years of high school.

Then you won't have to worry about doing it there. In my experience as hard as I thought high school spanish was it is nothing compared to the U of I classes.

If you don't take four years, they require that you take 2 semesters there.

My son is a 2011 and it was made apparent to us that he should take all four years in HS.

Plus, it's free in HS (well, that's debatable) and that will open up opportunities to take other classes in college, right?

I would say that the statement made by the counselor is highly inaccurate. While it may be advisable, not having that 4th year is not a deal breaker.

My son had two years of foriegn language and had no problem with Bradley admissions as a recruited athlete.

When speaking to my Spanish teachers about Spanish in college, I was told they teach what amounts to 1 1/2 to 2 years of high school Spanish in 1 year of college Spanish. Not only this, but it is college and there is a lot less discussion and explanation that makes it easier to learn in a high school setting.

Based on that advice, I decided to take 4 years of Spanish. (In my high school, culminating with AP Spanish instead of a Spanish IV.) Since someone's (either my parents', or preferably, a baseball program's) hard earned money will be spent on my college education, I would prefer to forgo all the classes possible that don't pertain to my major.

I would definately encourage my child to take 4 years of a foreign language in high school. Our scenerio:

child #1 - 3 years of spanish high school had to
take 1 year in college...said it was
tougher than high school plus cost

child #2 - 4 years in high school - was not
required any foreign language in college

child #3 - in his 4th year of spanish now


Personally I don't think it would matter that much with getting into a university, however why not take it when there is no cost and much easier.

Living in a spanish 2nd language community and school I feel 4 years is a very wise choice.

Take the four years of spanish in HS.

I did it and was a straight-A student. Spent a month in Spain, where, coincidentally, I rarely used my Spanish because an astounding number of people spoke English.

Once at Eastern, I started out as a Spanish minor and the first day of class, I couldn't understand a word of what the professor was saying. And it was one of those classes where there was no English spoken. All I could manage was "Que?"

Take it now, get it out of the way and it's much less headache.

Regardless of the language, encourage your kids to take at least 4 years of a language. We required our children to take 4 years of a language, plus 4 years of a musical instrument, besides a sport.
Each child started a language in 7th grade and continued it through high school and into college. Our children face global competition in the workplace and it will only get tougher. Knowing a second language will be a huge benefit. I would encourage Spanish or Chinese. However, my current son ('09) takes French.

My son is going to U of I Champaign next year with 2 years of Spanish, 1st year of which was taken in 8th grade. Foreign languages are still redicuously overrated.

I have zero use for Spanish and French. I took and mediumpapi is taking German. Relevant to life in the US? No.

But to me taking a foreign language helps you learn how to learn. It's not like math that you've been studying for 9 years already. It's like, well, a foreign language.

I couldn't care less if you can speak another language when you leave high school and college, the point is you're a better learner and a smarter person for the effort.

quote:

Originally posted by biggerpapi:
My son is a 2011 and it was made apparent to us that he should take all four years in HS.

Plus, it's free in HS (well, that's debatable) and that will open up opportunities to take other classes in college, right?

My daughter is also a 2011. She was told the same thing! BiggerPapi, maybe the two of them could... Never mind!

quote:

It's not like math that you've been studying for 9 years already. It's like, well, a foreign language.

Math IS a foreign language

Want my advice? Learn Chinese. We may ALL need it someday.

quote:

Originally posted by CoachB25:
My daughter is also a 2011. She was told the same thing! BiggerPapi, maybe the two of them could... Never mind!

Mine plays baseball...yours plays softball...they both obviously come from great genes.

This could be a new version of eHarmony...Baseball Match!!!

quote:

We may ALL need it someday.

Most of us need some Spanish NOW.

To be honest, that was one thing I considered when I started high school. I had the choice between Spanish and German. How many countries speak German? 1, 2? How many speak Spanish? Quite a few..

Of course that doesn't mean I actually remember any of it ...

quote:

Originally posted by Bulldog 19:
How many countries speak German? 1, 2? How many speak Spanish? Quite a few..

Of course that doesn't mean I actually remember any of it ...

Don't feel bad Bulldog. I took 4 years of LATIN!

Semper ubi sub ubi!

That's all I remember, but it was a long time ago.

For those struggling with Spanish, I am sure that Senor Tex could provide some on-line tutoring....

And hopefully provide us with a new and improved bean dip...no corn, please

I don't need to speak Spanish in this country.

Everyone else needs to speak English.

quote:

I don't need to speak Spanish in this country.

Everyone else needs to speak English.

Yeah but that makes too much sense..

MIKE F--

Semper Ubi Sub Ubi


'Always wear underwear'

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!

Ballyall, you are obviously a scholar!

Of course he is. Look at his picture above!!!!

I really doubt that you have to take 4 years of Foreign Language to get into Illinois to play baseball or that if you don't you will have to take more while there.

My son attends a pretty highly regarded school where he does not have to take any more Foreign Language and he only took 3 years of French in HS. The third year was AP, but I don't think The Illinois Coach really cares too much about that while recruiting players. Just get a good enough ACT score and GPA.

I've got a feeling The Illinois Coach would tell you it isn't necessary.