A new international study from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has found that a rise in test scores, even a relatively modest rise, has important consequences for the economy. Were a rise in student achievement to occur, the analysis projects that the nation could see growth of nearly $41 trillion in its GDP.

Continue reading "Academic Achievement: It Really Matters" »

Posted by Marion Blank at 02:17 PM
Read Post | Comments (0)

When you click on the link below, you will be treated to something quite extraordinary. It shows the winner of Ukrainian talent contest. She is Kseniya Simonova, 24, drawing a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II.

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine, resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths of a population of 42 million.

Kseniya Simonova says:
"I find it difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paint brushes, but using sand and fingers is (not) beyond me. The art, especially when the war is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears. And there's surely no bigger compliment."

And now, sit back and relax
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vOhf3OvRXKg

Posted by Marion Blank at 09:15 PM
Read Post | Comments (0)

People frequently, and rightly, comment on the many nationalities that make up the American citizenry. So in case you might want to convey New Year's greetings to some of your neighbors using their native tongue, here are some possibilities.

Afgani Saale Nao Mubbarak
Afrikaans Gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian Gezuar Vitin e Ri
Armenian Snorhavor Nor Tari
Arabic Kul 'am wa antum bikhair
Assyrian Sheta Brikhta
Azeri Yeni Iliniz Mubarek!

Continue reading "Happy New Year to All" »

Posted by Marion Blank at 08:20 PM
Read Post | Comments (0)

We are extremely fortunate with our language. Going against all predictions, English has become the leading language of international discourse. That allows us to use English in almost any country where we travel.

Unfortunately, as often happens with too much of a good thing, it has allowed us to be less than diligent about mastering other languages. Nancy C. Rhodes and Ingrid Pufahl of the Center for Applied Linguistics recently conducted a survey entitled "Foreign Language Teaching in U.S. Schools." It has a clear message.

Continue reading "A Critical but Neglected Area: Foreign Language Teaching" »

Posted by Marion Blank at 02:23 PM
Read Post | Comments (1)