|
by Lillian King Meidlinger
NOTE: This paper was published September 2002
as Issue 7 of the LOTE CED Communiqué.
It may be reproduced and distributed to others with acknowledgement
of the LOTE CED as the source. For best
results printing, please access the PDF version
(72K) of this document.
| Overheard in a Paris café: |
| Giselle: |
Id love to visit Austin
on my next vacation, but Im nervous because my English
isnt so great. Maybe Ill just go to Québec. |
| Thierry: |
Aw, you dont need to know
how to speak English to go to Austin, Gigi! Everyone in Texas
speaks more than one language. There will be tons of people
there that speak French. |
How many times have you heard similar statements made in Texas
about countries whose inhabitants readily speak English? Wouldnt
it be great to know such assertions could be made about Texans
ability to use languages other than English? What makes language
learners in other countries so successful? What information can
we glean from other countries that will contribute to the growth
of our own language programs and the proficiency of our students?
This paper takes a look at some of the features of language programs
around the world, examines these features with regard to language
programs and policy in Texas, and offers some suggestions on how
to best capitalize on some of the most successful aspects of language
teaching and learning, both here and abroad.
Other countries language learning success has been documented.
In Europe, for example, the amount of time spent learning languages
allows most students to attain communicative competence in at least
one language other than their native tongue, and sometimes two or
three (Bergentoft,1994). Eight characteristics of successful programs
outside of the United States have been identified, most recently
in a report by the Center for Applied Linguistics (Pufahl, Rhodes,
& Christian, 2000): an early start; a well-articulated framework;
rigorous teacher education; comprehensive use of technology; innovative
methods; strong policy; assessment; and maintenance of heritage,
regional, and indigenous languages. As this paper examines those
traits leading to language learning success in other countries,
it becomes clear that Texas LOTE programs have numerous parallel
characteristics. It is natural, therefore, to think that similar
degrees of achievement in student proficiency are attainable.
In order to personalize this Communiqué, six individuals
who successfully learned a foreign language in a country other than
the United States were interviewed. Data from their responses is
included throughout the text as anecdotal evidence. Those interviewed
were educated in Chile, France, Lebanon, Mexico, Russia, and Spain.
All are fluent in at least one language other than their mother
tongue. Of the six, three are now world language teachers. Interestingly,
most of the items mentioned as contributing to the respondents
personal success in language learning echo the characteristics identified
in the report by the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL).
Successful Language Learning in Other Countries: How Texas Measures
Up
In late 2000, CAL released a report entitled Foreign Language Teaching:
What the United States Can Learn From Other Countries (Pufahl, et
al., 2000). The report was based on data collected from 19 countries
who responded to a survey about language education at the elementary
and secondary levels. The report takes into account information
from select comparative education reports and offers advice on how
the successes of other countries can inform U.S. language education.
Eight standout characteristics of language instruction in other
countries are identified and elaborated upon in the CAL report and
in this Communiqué. Texas shares many of the qualities
that other exemplary language programs exhibit and has programs
or policies in place that fall in line with the eight characteristics
that are described. Any differences may lie in the degree to which
they are advocated, implemented, or required in one context or the
other. Areas for growth in Texas can be identified, but also important
areas of strength. Following are brief summaries of the eight characteristics
identified by other countries, followed by anecdotal data from the
above-mentioned interviews and commentary on how language education
in Texas compares with regard to each characteristic.
An Early Start
Beginning language learning early boosts proficiency (Norden, 2001).
The trend in 16 of the 19 countries surveyed by CAL is to start
foreign language education in upper elementary school at the latest,
with seven countries starting by age 8. Many countries also offer
or require a second foreign language at the elementary level.
Of those interviewed for this Communiqué, four specifically
alluded to the commencement of learning other languages early in
their schooling. The interviewee from Mexico began learning English
in kindergarten. The Chilean respondent said most children begin
learning English in elementary school. The interviewee educated
in Lebanon mentioned how learning languages early in life facilitated
later learning of other languages. (She speaks Arabic,
French, and English fluently.) The French interviewee referred to
the fact that language learning begins at age 6 for some, age 11
for most, and that a second foreign language is introduced at age
13.
In Texas LOTE education, an early start is becoming increasingly
important. A variety of early language learning programs are being
implemented in the state, including Foreign Language in the Elementary
School (FLES), full or partial immersion, dual-language or two-way
immersion, and FLEX (Exploratory Foreign Language) programs. One
example is the Garland ISD, where they have a FLES program for grades
1-5 in 42 of 58 schools. The remainder of the campuses will complete
delivery of FLES programs through 5th grade by 2004 (Maples, 2002).
Advocacy for and interest in early language learning is on the
rise in Texas. For example:
- The National FLES Institute of Texas has been held annually
in Dallas at the Hockaday School since 1994, and enrollment has
increased by over 400% since its inception (National FLES Institute
of Texas, 2002).
- Numerous Texas school districts have applied for and received
the competitive Federal Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP)
grants which in recent years have favored proposed programs with
a focus on early language learning (United States Department of
Education, 2002). Many of the grants received by Texas districts
have been for dual language or FLES programs. For example, Richardson
ISD received funding for its distance-learning elementary school
program in 2000, and Belton ISD received one in 1999 for a program
that bridges its elementary, two-way bilingual program to secondary
school programs (Joint National Committee for Languages and the
National Council for Languages and International Studies, 2002).
- Recognizing both the importance of starting early and staying
long and the benefits of knowing a second language, parents and
other concerned citizens in school districts around the state
have mobilized to establish early language learning programs in
their local districts. Not all have been successful, but the impetus
is there.
Nevertheless, early language learning programs in Texas are not
yet common and many students in Texas do not begin learning a LOTE
until they are in high school. While interest in these initiatives
abounds, the support system for a comprehensive early language learning
program is often lacking. Financial resources, teacher training,
and a stalwart commitment to such a program are among the elements
needed. Research has shown that starting language study at a young
age and staying the course through high school leads to higher levels
of proficiency (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 1997).
A Well-Articulated Framework
A well-articulated curriculum framework provides local language
programs with a common reference source and thereby helps to ensure
cohesion and consistency. Several countries in the CAL study cited
the use of either a national or international-level framework in
the development of their language programs. Many European countries
use Modern Languages. Learning, Teaching, Assessment: A Common
European Framework of Reference (Council of Europe, 1996) to
streamline language instruction policy and programs. The Council
of Europe expanded its framework and developed new activities and
resources for its members such as the Language Policies for a
Multilingual and Multicultural Europe project and the European
Language Portfolio, used by learners to record their language
skills.
None of those interviewed for this Communiqué referred
to curriculum frameworks by name; however, some elements of curricular
structure were mentioned. The interviewee from Lebanon mentioned
that in her experience, the school used a French curriculum rather
than a Lebanese curriculum developed locally to teach French as
a foreign language. Five of the six interviewees said that culture
was not really a formal part of the curriculum in their programs.
The French respondent described the situation as one where there
is no formal framework for teaching culture but that it depends
a lot on the teachers... I think they are just asked to teach English.
They are free, then, to speak about what they want. There
seemed to be some level of frustration with this lack of structure;
for example, the respondent from Russia mentioned the fossilized
nature of teaching about culture in his country, noting that the
methods currently used perpetuate stereotypes and dont allow
for critical analysis.
Texas is on par with the European countries mentioned above in
that is has a well-articulated framework in place, A Texas Framework
for Languages Other Than English (SEDL, 1997). This document serves
as a resource for curriculum developers and teachers as they implement
the state standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for
Languages Other Than English (TEKS for LOTE). Produced through a
collaborative process by classroom teachers, district supervisors,
higher education professionals, and representatives from business
and the community, the Framework is tailored specifically to the
needs of Texas teachers and students and is designed to facilitate
the development by local districts and campuses of standards-based
materials appropriate for their context. The framework provides
Texas teachers a common ground from which to plan their standards-based
curricula.
Other countries have used general frameworks (such as the one developed
by the Council of Europe) as a springboard to develop language-specific
curriculum guidelines and expand their policy on less commonly taught
or rarely addressed languages. By way of comparison, the Texas Education
Agencys newly revised Español para el hispanohablante
(Blanco, n.d.) is a good example of how Texas has provided expanded
information on implementing state policy. Offshoots of A Texas Framework
for LOTE in the areas of early language learning, the use of technology
in the LOTE classroom, or inclusion in the LOTE classroom would
also be useful resources for Texas teachers of LOTE.
Rigorous Teacher Education
Common sense says that teachers who receive rigorous training and
extensive in-service support are set to strengthen foreign language
education. CALs report describes rigorous, specialized, and
competitive academic programs that make the foreign language teaching
force in many countries not only well educated, but well respected.
The academic programs for preservice teachers in many countries
last at least five years; may require intense study of several academic
subject areas; include extensive, specialized training tailored
to the needs of language teachers; or necessitate study and/or work
abroad in order to meet program requirements. One result of all
of this education and training is that the teaching profession enjoys
a good amount of prestige. Getting into a post secondary teaching
program can be quite competitive, and teaching positions are relatively
well compensated.
With regard to professional development for experienced educators,
teachers in other countries have some inservice advantages that
Texas teachers might envy. Some teachers, such as those in Germany,
have the advantage of one-week of paid inservice training; they
may choose their training from a variety of programs offered. Other
countries, such as the Czech Republic and China, often send their
teachers abroad for language or pedagogy study or bring in native
speakers of the language being taught for teacher training.
Many teachers in Texas would argue that neither prestige nor good
pay are characteristic of life as a LOTE teacher! Texas teachers
do face requirements that show an increasing degree of rigor in
the profession, however. For example, in the area of LOTE teacher
training, one of the challenges facing preservice teachers has been
the Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT) which those seeking certification
in French and Spanish must pass. Another example of increased rigor
in Texas teacher education is the creation of new LOTE teacher certification
standards currently being developed by the State Board for Educator
Certification. These new standards and the assessment that will
be based on them will incorporate the TEKS for LOTE, requiring beginning
teachers to be knowledgeable about the state standards.
In the past, Texas teachers were able to obtain lifetime certification
in their field. However, those who have sought certification since
September 1, 1999 must now complete 150 clock hours of continuing
professional education units every five years to maintain their
certification. In this regard, Texas teachers may even surpass their
international counterparts in that while professional development
opportunities are readily available abroad, they are not necessarily
mandatory.
For Texas LOTE educators, inservice opportunities are numerous.
In addition to training available at the local and district levels,
professional development opportunities include:
- LOTE CED workshops (e.g., TEKS for LOTE and Peer Coaching /
Mentoring training)
- Texas Foreign Language Association conferences
- Regional conferences (e.g., SWCOLT, Central States)
- ACTFL conferences and locally-sponsored ACTFL training
- Study abroad programs such as the Texas-Spain Initiatives
Summer Institutes in Spain
- Language-specific association scholarships for professional
study abroad (e.g., American Association of Teachers of French)
- National Foreign Language Resource Centers summer programs
Comprehensive Use of Technology
Various uses of technology enhance the language learning experience.
Many countries surveyed in the CAL study mention the positive impact
of technologies that give students access to information, such as
Internet web sites, large databases, and media programming in multiple
languages and that allow increased (electronic) interaction with
other language learners and native speakers of languages being studied.
Our counterparts abroad may have a language learning advantage in
at least one technological area: media broadcasts. Many television
shows and much of the music broadcast abroad, especially in smaller
countries, is in another language.
None of the Communiqué interviewees mentioned the
use of technology in discussing their language teaching and learning
experiences, save the respondent from Mexico who connected motivation
for learning languages to the countrys need for technology.
(Due to their ages, most of the respondents would not have had access
to high-tech tools in their own language learning experiences.)
The comprehensive use of technology is an important goal in Texas
education overall. There is a state-funded Center for Educator Development
dedicated to technology (Technology Applications CED), an annual
conference for instructional technology sponsored by the Texas Computer
Education Association which attracts thousands every year, and Internet-connected
computers in 93% of Texas schools, 2% above the national average
(Education Week, 2002). In foreign language classrooms specifically,
more and more teachers are availing themselves of the innumerable
LOTE pedagogy and target-language resources available on the Internet.
Language labs and LOTE software have become more sophisticated and
interactive. E-mail, listservs, and chat rooms are being used by
students and teachers of LOTE alike to communicate in authentic
ways both with one another and with native speakers. While some
LOTE programming is available on Texas TV and radio and through
the Internet, these resources are likely underutilized. They are
not necessarily accessible to all language learners as the only
LOTE used may be Spanish, or programs may only be available through
cable or satellite television.
Innovative Methods
Innovative language methodologies energize language programs and
make them more interesting to students. Sample innovative methods
mentioned by the various countries in the CAL study were categorized
into those that integrate language and content learning, those that
employ communicative teaching methods, those that focus on language
learning strategies, those that build on first or subsequent languages,
and other. Some countries have schools where a foreign
language is the language of instruction in more than one subject
area, and the use of communicative teaching methods is widespread.
The CAL report connects increased student proficiency to the use
of communicative teaching techniques in countries such as Denmark,
New Zealand, and Peru. A few of the countries surveyed also noted
that teaching students to be aware of and responsible for their
own language learning is an important component of language instruction.
Some other successful methods mentioned by countries in the study
include building on students native or subsequent languages,
using nothing but the foreign language in the classroom, modular
teaching (grouping students by proficiency level rather than by
grade or age), and project-oriented learning.
Several of those interviewed for this paper mentioned non-traditional
teaching and learning strategies that worked well for them. With
regard to integrating language and content, there is the earlier
cited example of the respondent in Lebanon who learned French by
using the actual curriculum from France rather than a locally developed
one. Numerous communicative and/or student-centered teaching and
learning methods were mentioned as being helpful. The respondent
from France said he learned vocabulary best by using stories,
songs, or whatever interested me. He also mentioned the benefits
of seeing films and listening to music in the language being learned,
especially when those experiences were followed-up with teacher
explanations. The use of role-play was key to the respondent who
learned English in Mexico. The respondent from Chile felt that having
lots of opportunities to use the language in writing and conversation
had greatly helped her. Communicative teaching methods were advocated
by the Spanish respondent who thought teachers in his country are
still too much into grammar and not so much into giving real
chances of using the language. Perhaps the best example of
communicative language learning is seen in the Russian respondent
who had no formal training in learning English but simply
learned the language through communication. He felt that he
achieved his high proficiency level by learning real language
and culture, which was impossible to find in the textbook.
Innovative methods cited by many countries as being instrumental
in the success of their language programs are often ones that are
being used and/or advocated in Texas, too. For example, Texas places
importance on integrating language and content instruction, as evidenced
by the TEKS for LOTE Connections program goal. To reach
this standard, students are to use the language to make connections
with other subject areas because reinforcing what students are learning
in other classes makes both that subject matter and the language
being learned more relevant to them. Interdisciplinary programs
in Texas are limited, though immersion programs provide a good example
of learning language through content.
Studies in the U.S. also show there is a correlation between the
use of communicative, student-centered activities and increased
student proficiency (Savignon, 1983), and in Texas, many foreign
language teachers are strong advocates of instruction which allows
students to communicate in real-world ways. In addition, the TEKS
for LOTE which are stated in terms of student (not teacher) expectations,
lend themselves to student-centered language teaching. State policy
additionally supports innovative teaching methodology. At the state
level, there is widespread support of Spanish for Spanish Speakers
and dual language programs that build upon the skills of native
speakers. (See below for more on this subject.) Project-oriented
learning is also gaining respect as evidenced by the publication
of Great TEKSpectations: Innovative Learning Scenarios for the
LOTE Classroom (LOTE CED, 2001), a collection of instructional
learning units designed to guide teachers and students through theme-based,
product-oriented language learning experiences.
Strong Policy
The educational goals and needs of language learners often depend
on administrative policy and planning (Sajavaara, 1994). Several
countries surveyed by CAL mention the great impact that language
and education policies have on their foreign language programs,
affecting everything from languages offered to the minimum required
number of instructional hours (which affects at what age a student
starts). Also of great importance is the status of foreign languages
within the school curriculum. Many countries designate foreign language
as a core subject, making it compulsory for all students to learn
at least one other language. Survey respondents note that public
policy support is crucial to the strong standing of languages in
their educational systems.
Among those interviewed for this Communiqué, almost
all alluded to the fact that language learning was a required part
of their education. This does not necessarily mean it was tied to
public policy since several of the respondents went to private schools.
Nevertheless, the fact that great importance was placed on learning
languages in their countries of origin is evident in certain comments.
The French respondent, for example, felt there was a general cultural
pride in being bilingual in France, and the respondent from Lebanon
felt that the cultural value placed on knowing languages was key
to the success of language education in that country. The respondent
from Mexico put it well: You grow up with an understanding
that it is essential to learn another language. It seems likely
that at some level, public policy regarding language learning contributed
to these sentiments.
A key component of Texas achievement in LOTE education has also
been its strong policy. At the state, regional, and local levels
there is advocacy for LOTE programs that has often resulted in favorable
policies. In recent years, state-level mandates have led to the
adoption of the well-received state standards, the TEKS for LOTE;
to the publication of A Texas Framework for LOTE; and to
the establishment of the LOTE Center for Educator Development, which
provides support to LOTE educators. Still, Texas could take a lesson
from other countries in the adoption of more revolutionary policies,
such as the National Policy on Languages in Australia which resulted
in the offering of languages at the elementary school level in nearly
the entire country, or the three plus policy of Israel,
which requires students to learn three languages (Hebrew, Arabic,
and English), plus additional languages.
While LOTE has in years past been a part of the core curriculum,
it is at present a part of the enrichment curriculum. The passage
of Texas House Bill 1144 (in 2001) may help in changing this status.
This bill mandates that beginning with freshmen in 2004-05, the
current recommended program (which requires a student take at least
Levels I and II of the same language) will become the required program
for all students. Such a requirement could help LOTE make its way
back into the core. Two years may not seem like much compared to
the many years of compulsory language courses required elsewhere,
but it is a starting point.
Assessment
Assessment plays an undeniable role in the success of language
students. While most assessment in the countries surveyed takes
place at the course level, many countries have regional or national
exit exams at the secondary level. Students are motivated to do
well in all subjects included on such exams since their performance
will determine whether or not they will further their education
at the university level. None of the Communiqué interviewees
overtly mentioned assessment as playing a role in their success
as language learners. However, since languages were required courses
for most, assessment certainly played a part in their matriculation.
In Texas, a state-level oral proficiency assessment in Spanish
was developed and field-tested with Level III Spanish students in
1994. In 1995, the state legislature determined which subject areas
would be assessed state-wide, and LOTE was not included. No funding
was available to follow-up on the oral proficiency assessment project.
Assessments that determine Texas LOTE students proficiency
levels at different points in their academic careers are an important
goal for the future.
Maintenance of Heritage, Regional, and Indigenous Languages
Several countries surveyed by CAL have bilingual policies, official
heritage language programs, or special schools that use an indigenous
language as the medium of instruction. Helping students maintain
their first language may strengthen language education by encouraging
student achievement in more than one language and by bolstering
local language resources. Placing sanctioned value on heritage,
regional, and indigenous languages is important to their linguistic
upkeep and also can advance the cause of the peoples that use them.
Canadian policy recognizes the importance of their languages and
cultures beyond English and French; official heritage language programs
are in place for nearly half of the provinces and include not only
native American languages, but also languages of immigrant communities
such as Ukrainian. Strong support for Maori and other South Pacific
island languages is evident in New Zealands preschool immersion
program, where students may choose to attend a bilingual program
or special native language schools after they exit the preschool
program. None of the individuals interviewed for this Communiqué
mentioned maintenance of languages as a part of their personal language
teaching or learning experiences.
Texas also has policy and programs in place to safeguard its native
and heritage speakers of Spanish. There are Spanish for Spanish
Speakers (SSS) courses throughout the state which allow native speakers
of Spanish to get credit for and build upon their knowledge of Spanish.
State level support for these programs is evident in the development
and publication of documents such as Español para el hispanohablante
(Blanco, n.d.)and the forthcoming LOTE CED professional development
module tailored specifically to the needs of SSS teachers. Programs
that support the heritage, regional, or indigenous languages of
populations other than those that use Spanish is less prevalent
in Texas due to the smaller numbers of native speakers (and teachers)
of these languages.
Pardonnez-moi, Where Do We Go From Here?
When it comes to language teaching and learning, Texas is not so
different from its international neighbors after all. Yet our language
skills lag behind. So how can we best use and/or expand upon the
successful practices we have in common with countries that produce
fluent speakers of multiple languages? How do we grow in those areas
where we need improvement, comparatively speaking?
Become a Motivational Force to be Reckoned With
Generally speaking, one could argue that students in other countries
are intensely motivated to learn a language in addition to their
own. Evidence of this lies in the commentary of those interviewed
for this Communiqué, all of whom imply or state outright
that motivation is a key factor in the success of language education
in their countries of origin. Motivation is multifaceted, including
the job market, academic expectations, a taste for travel, pride,
social gains, cultural values, a global society, the wish to pursue
higher education, and the desire to understand the deluge of media
available in other languages. In the European community, for example,
it is often a matter of geography that motivates the learning of
another language, since one might easily live within a short distance
of several other countries where another language is spoken.
How can you determine what motivates your students? Ask them! The
media is a great place to find a wide variety of resources that
will be interesting to students while simultaneously increasing
exposure to other cultures and new technologies. Develop a survey
to give to your students to see what sorts of media they are interested
in. Do they like to surf on the Internet? read a newspaper? watch
movies? listen to music? watch TV? play video games? chat in chat
rooms? talk on the phone? Try to incorporate their interests into
a lesson plan. If you find their motivational level to be higher
as a result, survey them on other issues and use the information
as you plan your lessons.
Do Your Part to Increase the Professions Prestige
In many countries, teachers seem to enjoy a level of prestige that
is not always present for teachers in the United States. They may
also receive relatively better pay. What can be done to up
the prestige of the teaching profession in Texas? One option is
to apply for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
(NBPTS) certification. NBPTS offers World Languages Other Than English
National Board Certification at two levels: early childhood/middle
childhood and adolescence/young adulthood. Certification is based
on a set of propositions and standards that describe what teachers
should know and be able to do. The process involves compiling a
portfolio of student work, classroom videos, and intense analyses
of classroom teaching and student learning. There are also written
exercises that assess subject matter and pedagogical knowledge.
(National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2002) Once
certified, teachers are sometimes able to renegotiate their salary.
To date, at least Austin ISD, Corpus Christi ISD, Round Rock ISD,
San Antonio ISD, and Waco ISD all offer financial incentives to
teachers who are National Board certified.
Why not enlist a colleague and seek National Board Certification
together? You can work together as peer coaches in observation cycles
to refine classroom methods for the video tapes, consult one another
as you compile student work and other necessary materials, and study
together for the written portion of the certification.
Rally for Whats Right
Policymakers in Texas could set a historical precedent by initiating
and supporting LOTE interests such as early language learning programs
and making LOTE a part of every students education. How can
you increase the number of LOTE advocates in your area? You might
start by canvassing for opinions on and interest in a LOTE cause
you would like to forward, such as a FLES program in your district.
You may not even know where your peers outside of education stand
on LOTE issues. Preaching to the choir and decrying the status of
our discipline to one another is less effective than advocacy and
action. Surveying the situation outside of your traditional circle
gives you the opportunity to convince the undecided or sway the
unconvinced.
Conclusion
Initially, the notion of Texas foreign language students becoming
competitive with the multilingual inhabitants of other countries
in the realm of language proficiency may seem somewhat idealistic.
But when the characteristics of successful programs identified by
CAL and others are taken into consideration, it is clear that Texas
has similar traits and tools at its disposal. It stands to reason,
then, that consistent use of these tools and persistence in applying
them could lead to significant enrichment and growth in language
teaching and learning and thus to proficiency levels akin to those
of our international neighbors.
In the past, we might have thanked the kindly residents of other
countries who responded when we gestured frantically and spoke loudly
in English, in hopes that volume might substitute for language skills.
Now we can look forward to taking our turn at impressing visitors
to our country by offering them directions in Spanish to the Kimball
Museum, by helping them buy tickets to an Astros game in Russian,
or by explaining in Japanese exactly what chicken fried steak is!
For Reflection
-
Rank the eight characteristics of successful language learning
identified by CAL in descending order, beginning with the one
you believe is most critical to increasing students language
proficiency. How would you justify your ranking?
-
Select the three characteristics with which you are most familiar
based on personal experience, current teaching context, professional
reading, etc. What do each of these characteristics mean to
you personally and how have your language learning and teaching
experiences been affected by them?
-
If you had been interviewed by someone from another country
about your experiences learning a foreign language in the United
States, what standout experiences would you have shared?
-
Evaluate your current LOTE program with regard to each of the
eight characteristics mentioned above. What are your programs
strengths? In what areas is growth most needed? Were there any
ideas in this paper that you might apply to strengthen your
current program?
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