06212015Sun
Last updateFri, 19 Jun 2015 5pm
CP Electronics

Brits to assess state’s 1,500 English teachers

The British Council in Mexico will evaluate the levels of 1,500 English middle school (secundaria) teachers in Jalisco after a national study revealed that 97 percent of public school students end their educations with virtually no knowledge of the language.

Only 388,000 students enrolled in public primary and secondary eduction in Jalisco receive instruction in English. Although officially obligatory in secundarias, only a tiny percentage of primary schools offer the the subject (including the 30 groundbreaking, full-time primaries).

In order to give instruction in English at Jalisco public schools, teacher currently require a Toefl score of between 500 and 549 points.   State education authorities admit the score should be from 549 to 599 points, as well as having the ability to carry out a conversation in English. Sadly, not all teachers can attain this level.

The British Council will use the University of Cambridge language assessment protocols.