
1.) There are more than 65 languages across Colombia. While the government
has a goal for increasing the English proficiency of students beyond a level A1
or A2, steps are being taken to preserve native languages as well. Teachers
realize that English is the third language for some of their students after
their native language and then Spanish.
2.) Schools have the autonomy to decide how to teach the standards and there
is not a national curriculum. There are, however, resources provided for the
teachers to help with instruction.
3.) A law was created three years ago that puts students with special needs
in the mainstream classroom. The Colombian teachers we spoke with would like more training on how to best serve students with special needs.
4.) Teachers are teachers wherever you go- Elizabeth made a point to talk about the questions she asks herself before she plans her lessons: What do my students need to learn? How can I teach my students what they need to learn? How can I make my students better? How can I make my teaching better? This set of questions made me recall the entire National Board Teacher Certification process. This are just good questions.
5.) Colombian schools are trying their best to work with the new students moving to Colombia from Venezuela. Some of the concerns that the teachers have for the students is that some have experienced trauma and have missed years of school. They are doing their best to help the students catch up academically and some schools have counseling resources to help with the students´emotional needs.