Colombia compared to OTHER SA COUNTRIES

Rubiazo says on Nov 27, 2005, 23:25:

Brazil vs Colombia -Crime rate is pretty close in both countries. Medellin is neck and neck with Rio and SP. Both countries have mostly rural backwood areas that have a LOT more violent crime, and have a lot of areas that are way safer as well. The overall crime rate in both countries is on the high side, however.

-The countries have very similar two-tier healthcare systems which are implemented in a very similar fashion. They also have taken a page out of each others books in terms of the social contract.

-Salaries in Brazil are considerably lower than those in Colombia. At one point Colombian salaries were twice as high, but the rising real has mitigated that somewhat. The cost of living in Brazil, however is actually higher than that of Colombia, so Brazilians enjoy a lesser standard of living. In both countries many people work for even less than the minimum salary.

-Colombia has a higher percentage of the population in the middle upper-middle and upper classes than does Brazil. Brazil has a shockingly low number of people making even the equivalent of 5 or 6 minimum salaries. Neither country is a great place to be a small business, but in that category Colombia still edges ahead slightly.

-Colombia's estrato system does not exist in Brazil.

-Brazil is way ahead of Colombia on environmental issues. Put it this way, it's a good thing the majority of the Amazon is in Brazil!

-Brazilian property rights are not as good as they are in Colombia. There is nothing even resembling the Fourth Amendment. Police can seize private property as part of an ongoing investigation and hold it indefinitely. Caveat emptor!! Oddly enough, Brazilian privacy rights are better and more extensive than they are in Colombia OR the US.

-Brazilian import duties are quite a bit higher, in some cases you can pay more than 100% tax on some items, commercial audio CDs for example. Colombian import duties are actually some of the lowest in the region.

-Brazil is more racially and socially diverse than Colombia, but oddly enough, is a more provincial place. But then again, this is Rio I'm talking about, compared to Bogota. Sao Paulo is supposed to be a more cosmopolitan place, and might be a better direct comparison. Brazil has a lot of 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants from Germany, Poland, Italy, Lebanon, and Japan.

-IMHO Brazil wins on beef and chicken, Colombia wins on the pork products (especially the chorizos) and the dairy. Brazilians actually understand how to cook a rare steak. Fruit juice in both countries is a much tougher comparison, the concept is kinda the same but both countries use lots of fruit that doesnt even exist in the other country. Brazilians have more complicated recipes for juices too, often with 12-15 ingredients.

-Colombians are slightly more formal than Brazilians, who are still in many ways much more formal than their American or Canadian counterparts.

-English is mandatory in all schools in both nations, but Colombians seem to do a better job of it.

-Colombians eat less processed foods than Brazilians (an unfortunate recent trend in Brazil that is contributing to a decline in people's health.)

-Brazilians are both more anti-gringo AND more beholden to gringos than Colombians are.

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pedro says on Nov 28, 2005, 02:59:

The two countries I know best are Brazil and Colombia. You already made a good comparison on those two, so I don't have much to add.

When I consider South America mentally, I break it down into Latin countries (eg Colombia, Argentina), Indio countries (Bolivia, Ecuador), and everything else (the Guyanas etc). Of course there is a mix in each, but I am talking in dominant vibe of the country.

I have never travelled to somewhere like Bolivia and it doesn't really have much appeal to me.

Colombia has everything that I'm looking for in a place to spend time:

- It's formal enough to remind you of Europe, but at the same time has heaps of human warmth which is what Europe sometimes lacks.
- Affordable to travel due to exchange rate
- Nice climate
- Hot girls and friendly
- Great music and nightlife
- Good food
- Interesting things to see, places to go for a weekend

If I was going looking for similar countries would probably try Argentina or Venezuela.

Brazil is special within South America, and is a country apart from the rest.

que nota!

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kernow62 says on Nov 28, 2005, 03:47:

Argentina and Uruguay play rugby!

Colombia doesn't.

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juanalejo says on Nov 28, 2005, 05:32:

Languages Spanish is mandatory in Brazilian schools, unfortunatelly Portuguese is not mandatory in Colombian schools.

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juanalejo says on Nov 28, 2005, 05:43:

French Although I love everything French, I see no use of this language for Colombians. I think we have to start looking at Mandarin as a necessary language for us to learn. I am glad several schools and universities have now made it part of their curriculum.

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fosth says on Nov 28, 2005, 05:44:

Sorry Kernow Wrong on that point, When i flew to Peru last year the Colombian Rugby team were on their way to the South American championships.
Although they aren't at the same standard as Argentina and Uraguay they do have a team.

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juanalejo says on Nov 28, 2005, 06:01:

French Both Quebec and Haiti have small populations and very little to do with Colombia, 200 million Brazilians next door hold much more of a future together with us than the French speaking nations. And I do think languages should be mandatory, kids have no problem in learning several languages at the same time, and by the time they grow up to choose a language they are far behind of lifetime learners. Brazil knows their future lies in the Spanish speaking world and they are very wisely taking a step in the right direction.

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litost says on Nov 28, 2005, 06:34:

About 95% of colombian schools have a hard enough time as it is just teaching a decent level of english to their students. Improving this aiming towards a bilingual society should be the main priority. Besides that, it zould be nice for schools to offer another language which the students would choose from french, portuguese and chinese primarily. But this is being way optimistic here... public schools and even many private ones have nowhere near the necessary foreign language teachers or general resources to pull it off.

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kernow62 says on Nov 28, 2005, 09:49:

Fosth, I am stunned. I have never even heard them mentioned. I assume they do not compete on a global level like Uruguay or Argentina.

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juanalejo says on Nov 28, 2005, 09:55:

Languages I would be all in favor of several languages mandatory in schools, just like math or history or geography, languages would be of great use years down the line. Most kids do not enjoy half of their subjects in school, but that is what education is all about.

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caslug says on Nov 28, 2005, 10:00:

mario.. in COL now, ALL Uni students have to complete 10 semester of english AND pass the TOEFFL or Michighan test in order to get their diploma. This is because the govt is realizing that ENGLISH IS THE BUSINESS langauge. Actually the BIGGEST market(in terms of student) for english is Asia, India, China, Vietnam, etc., realize that in order to improve their economy and do business on a global scale their workforce needs english.

COL govt is realizing this too. In the next couple of years, COL govt wants english to be taught at the primary and secondary levels. BUT they have a BIG shortage of QUALIFIED english teacher, the govt recently survey the level of english, english teacher have in COL. The result was dismal, in public school the teacher teaching english were only barey above the level of the student, while in private school it was a little bit better.

There´s a big push to get the teacher trained better, but of course lack of funding becomes a problem. For example, English teacher are paid better in Asia than S. America, supply and demand.

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silviat says on Nov 28, 2005, 10:42:

argentina vs colombia 1. Colombians are much nicer and humbler than Argentinians (those from BsAs or living in the BA area, that is around 35% of the population)

2. The beef in Argentina is veryy good... though sometimes I really missed a thin steak colombian style.

3. Argentina has a very strong culture of wine (their wine is awesome)... and in colombia the only wine many people would know about is Cari;oso, Dubonnet or the raisins one.

4. Argentinians import tax (as in brazil) is 60% which makes it very hard to get any electronics or any imported goods... and which isn't smart in some aspects, an example is that the country country is way behind in technology compared to Colombia. Though I don't know if they've changed that since I left in feb 05

5. Argentine man are more direct and less "habladores" than colombian guys... which I think makes colombian guys a very good reputation down there, but which makes you wonder how much of what you've heard in your life was "puro bla bla bla"

6. In the opinion of my husband (he better says that ;)) and other people I met who spent time in the 2 countries, Colombian ladies were better. The reason... less neurothic (again is not my opinion)

7. Even when Argentina isn't going through a war as we are, I feel they are more socially unorganized... it's really a mess.

8. Social aid: In colombia it almost doenst exist when compared to Argentina. People there wants to help others and they manifest it more than I ever saw in Colombia. There is a very organized system of soup kitchens, clothes for the poor, hotels for the poor, etc. But of course they have to deal with less homeless people than we do (if we count the displaced population).

9. Pricing: Argentina is cheaper right now if you are traveling with dolars.

10. Clothing: Clothing in Argentina sucks... shoes suck... it seems the rule is to look good and not to feel confortable or to have clothing that last for less than a year.... in that sense nada como colombia. Plus I had no problem, but I wonder how bigger women did to get dressed there, everything is ridiculously small. (2nd rate of anorexia in the world)

11. Argentinians are more aware of the rest of the world than colombians are. For example, during the last american election, many locals knew who Kerry was, who Bush was, why bush was good or bad, who was Edwards, which corporation was Cheney related to... etc, and like that for many other international issues. Some people I've talked to in Colombia didn't even know who is Zapatero, Cheney, Shroeder...

12. No cultural diversity... at least not much. A black person in BsAs is totally rare... there aren't many. And the few people from different races that lives there is not treated very well. They really discriminate in an aweful way peruvians, bolivians and paraguayans. They hate chileans. And they think Uruguayans are just and simply inferior. To Colombians... well they like us, they think we have more class than a peruvian... but we are still inferior.

13. Colombian people tends to react more agressively than argentinians to different situations. In my 2 years there I never saw anyone phisically fighting... in my 6 months in Colombia... I saw at least three young man hitting each other in the middle of the streets

14. Colombia is way more socially conservative than Argentina.

15. In Argentina the corruption is more socially accepted than in colombia, some people would talk proudly about how they've been stealing from the government by no paying taxis and things like that... I never heard someone talk so openly about it in colombia... (thought I know we have corruption as well).


Ok I think I need to go back to work so thats it.

Silvia

Silvia

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Rubiazo says on Nov 28, 2005, 12:36:

on COL vs Argentina first off the good news is that if you love good wine and are stuck in COL, you CAN get Chianti Ruffino Riserva Ducale at Exito and many other places. You will pay for it though!!

Most of the Argentinians I know speak very good English. One friend claims that 50% of BA speaks good English. I dunno about that but the number of English speakers is very high for a Spanish speaking country to be sure.

at Mario with all due respect I TOTALLY disagree with you. I think that only speaking one language is a horrible thing, and certianly not something to be proud of. I personally speak five languages and think that nobody should be able to get a diploma ANYWHERE without speaking three languages and taking an oral exam to prove it! There are many areas of the world where speaking three or more languages is the norm. I always thought that that was one of the Western Hemisphere's great failings, how horrible we are with languages.

Learning new languages shoudn't just be for economic reasons. Doing so opens neural pathways that would otherwise lay dormant, and actually fundamentally changes the way you think.

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litost says on Nov 28, 2005, 12:43:

Hey I personally love learning languages... speak 3 fluently and have studied 3 others... but realistically speaking Colombia has other priorities as far as education goes, and like I said having a strong second language (english) is enough of a challenge for now. A third language could be made mandatory at the university level. It's pretty simple to understand why colombians have continuosly overlooked the importance of making an effort to learn foreign languages... all our active borders are with other spanish speaking countries, and heck the country used to be considered the "Tibet" of Latin America for its isolation from the rest of the world. Luckily that's changing, but catching up is gonna take a while.

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Rubiazo says on Nov 28, 2005, 12:50:

Issues of freedom I think private schools should be able to do what they want, they seem to figure it out better anyways. But public schools should have every right to determine the criteria for graduation from HS.
To me it's not about freedom to customize one's education. I see learning other languages as just as important as learning arithmetic and algebra etc. I'm sure you wouldn't be in favor of making those subjects elective as well!
We are considering a special public school program for my daughter, in which Spanish, Latin, AND CHESS are all compulsory. :P

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Rubiazo says on Nov 28, 2005, 16:32:

Once again Forcing someone to take a secondary language makes them better thinkers and more intelligent. People who speak only one language are literally not firing on all cylinders, brain-power wise. You're still talking about the SURFACE benefits of taking another language. As far as I'm concerned it could be ANY other language, it doesn't matter too much, as long as it forces you to think differently. And for maximum effect it needs to be pursued to the point where you can actually THINK in another language, not speak it as if you were speaking English in code. After that one could choose any career that they want.
I don't think there is a single person on Earth who wouldn't benefit enormously as a human being from mastering other languages, and I really mean that!!! I'm sorry if this offends anybody who only speaks English and reads this.

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Lucia Rojas says on Nov 28, 2005, 17:15:

The director of Le Monde Diplomatique has very cool opinions about lnaguages. Mostly his opinion is against the fact that english is the chosen language for people to communicate in. So you find italians and french talking to each other in english, or colombians and french talking to each other in english. English has become the language in the center and all the other ones revolve around it. Even though many schools in Bogota have included mandarin in their curriculums, I honestly think chinese people are going to learn english first; before we learn mandarin.

Anyways, what this guy proposes is that latin languages ( French, spanish, italian, portuguese, Catalan, and Rumanian) are taught in schools in a way in which we understand the rules and the roots so that we can understand all of the languages just by the knowledge of the rules and of what changes ineach language. The same way scandinavians understand each other when speaking in their own languages. If I'm not mistaken they learn how to do this in school. Desi probably knows better about this. Basically I could speak spanish and be talking to some italian guy and neither one would have to change language, because both would be able to understand.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 28, 2005, 17:43:

State law prescribes the high school graduation requirements. The minimum prgram does not require a foreign language but the recommended and advanced programs both do.

"§74.52. Minimum High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete the Minimum High School Program.

(b) Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of:

(A) English I, II, and III (English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency); and

(B) Fourth credit of English, which may be satisfied by English IV, Research/Technical Writing, Creative/Imaginative Writing, Practical Writing Skills, Literary Genres, Business Communication, Journalism, or concurrent enrollment in a college English course.

(2) Mathematics--three credits to include Algebra I and Geometry.

(3) Science--two credits. The credits must consist of Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). A student may substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC and then must use the second of these two courses as the academic elective credit identified in subsection (b)(6) of this section.

(4) Social studies--two and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit) or World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit).

(5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.

(6) Academic elective--one credit. The credit must be selected from World History Studies, World Geography Studies, or any science course approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE) for science credit as found in Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science). If a student elects to replace IPC with either Chemistry or Physics as described in subsection (b)(3) of this section, the academic elective must be the other of these two science courses.

(7) Physical education--one and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit).

(A) A student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation requirements.

(B) The school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses, and off-campus physical education.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, a school district may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:

(i) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(ii) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(8) Health education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.

(9) Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication Applications.

(10) Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by:

(A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology Applications;

(B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia; or

(C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology.

(c) Elective Courses--five and one-half credits. The credits must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.51(f)* of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).

*Note: In §74.52(c), the cross reference to elective courses should be §74.51(g). This cross reference correction will be made in conjunction with the rule review for 19 TAC Chapter 74, scheduled to begin in spring 2006.

Source: The provisions of this §74.52 adopted to be effective December 7, 2003, 28 TexReg 10936.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

§74.53. Recommended High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 24 credits to complete the Recommended High School Program.

(b) Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following:

(1) English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of English I, II, III, and IV (English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency).

(2) Mathematics--three credits. The credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.

(3) Science--three credits. One credit must be a biology credit (Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, or International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology). Students must choose the remaining two credits from the following areas. Not more than one credit may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement. Students on the Recommended High School Program are encouraged to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to complete the science requirements.

(A) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC);

(B) Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and

(C) Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB Physics.

(4) Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit).

(5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.

(6) Languages other than English--two credits. The credits must consist of Level I and Level II in the same language.

(7) Physical education--one and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit).

(A) A student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation requirements.

(B) The school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; and two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, a school district may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:

(i) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(ii) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(8) Health education--one-half credit, which may satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.

(9) Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication Applications.

(10) Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by:

(A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology Applications, or state-approved technology applications innovative courses;

(B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia;

(C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology; or

(D) the completion of three credits (for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127 of this title. Districts shall ensure that career and technology courses, including innovative courses, in a coherent sequence used to meet the technology applications credit are appropriate to collectively teach the knowledge and skills found in any of the approved courses listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph. Students pursuing the technology applications option described in this subparagraph must demonstrate proficiency in technology applications prior to the beginning of Grade 11 through credit by examination as described in §74.24 of this title (relating to Credit by Examination).

(11) Fine arts--one credit, which may be satisfied by any course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts).

(c) Elective Courses--three and one-half credits. The credits may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.51(f)* of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements). All students who wish to complete the Recommended High School Program are encouraged to study each of the four foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) every year in high school.

(d) Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Recommended High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.

*Note: In §74.53(c), the cross reference to elective courses should be §74.51(g). This cross reference correction will be made in conjunction with the rule review for 19 TAC Chapter 74, scheduled to begin in spring 2006.

Source: The provisions of this §74.53 adopted to be effective December 7, 2003, 28 TexReg 10936.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

§74.54. Distinguished Achievement High School Program--Advanced High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 24 credits to complete the Distinguished Achievement High School Program.

(b) Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following:

(1) English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of English I, II, III, and IV (English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency).

(2) Mathematics--three credits. The credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.

(3) Science--three credits. One credit must be a biology credit (Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, or International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology). Students must choose the remaining two credits from the following areas. Not more than one credit may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement. Students on the Distinguished Achievement High School Program are encouraged to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to complete the science requirements.

(A) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC);

(B) Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and

(C) Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB Physics.

(4) Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit).

(5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.

(6) Languages other than English--three credits. The credits must consist of Level I, Level II, and Level III in the same language.

(7) Physical education--one and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit).

(A) A student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation requirements.

(B) The school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; and two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, a school district may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:

(i) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(ii) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(8) Health education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.

(9) Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication Applications.

(10) Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by:

(A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology Applications, or state-approved technology applications innovative courses;

(B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia;

(C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology; or

(D) the completion of three credits (for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127 of this title. Districts shall ensure that career and technology courses, including innovative courses, in a coherent sequence used to meet the technology applications credit are appropriate to collectively teach the knowledge and skills found in any of the approved courses listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph. Students pursuing the technology applications option described in this subparagraph must demonstrate proficiency in technology applications prior to the beginning of Grade 11 through credit by examination as described in §74.24 of this title (relating to Credit by Examination).

(11) Fine arts--one credit, which may be satisfied by any course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts).

(c) Elective Courses--two and one-half credits. The credits may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.51(f)* of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements). All students who wish to complete the Distinguished Achievement High School Program are encouraged to study each of the four foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) every year in high school.

(d) Advanced measures. A student also must achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures. Original research/projects may not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. The measures must focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional level. Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an external review process. The student may choose from the following options:

(1) original research/project that is:

(A) judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project; or

(B) conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; and

(C) related to the required curriculum set forth in §74.1 of this title (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills);

(2) test data where a student receives:

(A) a score of three or above on the College Board advanced placement examination;

(B) a score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate examination; or

(C) a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of the College Board or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT score shall count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student; or

(3) college academic courses and tech-prep articulated college courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher."

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Rubiazo says on Nov 28, 2005, 17:49:

Well if you want to go THAT far We may as well either bring back Latin or all start speaking Esperanto. Neither of those would be a bad idea actually, although I doubt the Mickey D's eating public would ever go for it!

Heh, this thread WAS going very strong until we all got tangential. Anybody else have any other experience with South American countries??

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litost says on Nov 29, 2005, 05:01:

I agree with Rubi on the benefits of having to learn a second language. There's nothing fascist about it, I think that anything that stimulates the mind and forces you to think and analyse outside the box is well worth teaching at a young age when the brain is more receptive and flexible. It also makes for kids more aware of the world and the diversity it holds.

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paisa29 says on Nov 29, 2005, 07:11:

Rubiazo quiero hacerte una pregunta respetuosamente, como puedes comparar a Medellín con SP cuando nunca has visitado Medellín?
No estoy diciendo que no hay violencia en Medellín porque no es verdad, aunque en los ultimos años ha descendido mucho.
Tengo una amiga inglesa que vivió en Medellín 3 años y nunca le ocurrió nada y cuando visitó Brasil fue atracada y herida.
Así que te invito para que conozcas la ciudad y puedas hacer un mejor juicio.

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Rubiazo says on Nov 29, 2005, 08:35:

Paisa I'm only reporting the NUMBERS Both cities last came in at 45 homicides per 100k people per year, for example which is bad but wouldn't be a deterrent for me in either case. A few years ago Medellin had a MUCH worse homicide problem than SP. Now they are neck and neck. Lastima por tu amiga pero eso será un caso individuo con sus propias circunstancias.

I personally have never been to Medellin and don't know what it's like FOR ME. From what I've heard on this board and other places it's a very nice place and the chief complaint is not the crime, it's the fact that the nightlife is a little boring!

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TheIntrepidTraveller says on Nov 29, 2005, 09:14:

Rubiazo, no way... That many Argentines speak good Spanish. I lived in Buenos Aires for awhile and, as an English teacher, I can confidently tell you there is absolutely no way even close to 50 % of porteños speak English well, much less at all. And in the rest of the country (where Ive been since BsAs), Im sure the percentage of proficient English Speakers is even less.

Silviat - EXCELLENT observations about Argentines - Id agree with almost every point you made...except Id tend to agree with those Argentines I know who live outside Capital Federal and swear that all of the classic the Argentine "stereotypes" ring true mostly for the porteños - they really can be quite arrogant. Theres alot of animosity directed towards them from the rest of the population...

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Roncita says on Nov 29, 2005, 09:34:

Brazil vs Colombia re safety Rubiazo, I am the English friend in question that Paisa29 was talking about. As she said, I lived in Medellin for almost 3 years until March this year, and nothing happened. I was never mugged/attacked/threatened. In February this year I visited Brazil for 10 days. After a week in Sao Paolo, I went to Rio and within 2 hours of arriving I was mugged in the street and slashed across the chest with a knife at 8am in a residential, respectable area close to Ipanema beach. My Dad was also mugged twice in Brazil when he went there for 2 weeks in 1999.

Obviously I can't say that Brazil is more violent than Colombia just because of these isolated incidents, but I also noticed that security is much higher in Brazil - in SP for example everyone lives in fenced-in houses whereas in Colombian cities they don't. Maybe they're just even more security-conscious in Brazil, but in a way it makes you feel less safe cos you're more worried about "what's out there".

It made me think though - in Medellin, the only places I didn't feel safe were in the city centre (at any time of day - probably because everyone always warned me it wasn't safe so I got a bit paranoid) and walking around anywhere at night. Of course there are plenty of slum areas that aren't safe at all, but you wouldn't go there anyway. In respectable residential areas, where the big hotels are (eg in Poblado/Oviedo area) which could be comparable to the Ipanema-Copacabana road (where I was mugged in Rio), I would say an attack on a foreigner is very unlikely - in broad daylight at least.

On that note, after my traumatic ordeal in Rio, I couldn't wait to get back to Medellin!

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toneloc24 says on Nov 29, 2005, 09:51:

Paisa29 - SP vs. Medellin It wouldn't be fair to compare Sao Paolo vs. Medellin. The closest Colombian city that would be comparable to Sao Paolo is Bogota, and that's a far stretch of the imagination. I've been to both places extensively.

- There are 19 million people living in Sao Paolo. Not even sure what the population of Medellin is.

- Sao Paolo is much more cosmopolitan than Medellin. There is an active nightlife throughout the week. There is more cultural events in Sao Paolo as well.

- There are several Poblado and better neighborhoods in Sao Paolo. The Jardins is one of those areas. I generally stay in this area and want for nothing.

- There is much more traffic and pollution in Sao Paolo.

- Sao Paolo has a well-run bus and train system, making it more easily-accessible than anywhere in Colombia.

- The weather of Medellin, of course, is much better. The weather of Sao Paolo is better than Bogota, which isn't saying much, but it's a better climate.

- There are nice beaches within a 60-90 min bus ride of Sao Paolo. In Medellin, that may get you to a finca.

- Business-wise, many international corporations have offices in Sao Paolo. Therefore, the economy is stronger than Medellin, and Bogota for that matter.

- College-wise, nothing to compare. Too many in SP vs. Medellin.

- Violence-wise, there are bad and very bad areas of Sao Paolo. Most tourists would have to go searching for those areas. There are kidnappings that occur, generally to business execs. A friend of mine there stayed in a highly-secure walled-in high-rise, but still mentioned that some banker who lived in the complex was kidnapped. Inside job. There is petty theft (pick-pocketing, robbery) at night and on trains. Very unlikely to be kidnapped by taxi, however.

- Food in Sao Paolo trumps anywhere in Colombia. From low-end rodizios to world-class fine dining, Sao Paolo has it in abundance and quality.

- Hotels in Sao Paolo are also abundant and better located than in Medellin, esp. from the airports.

- Malls in Sao Paolo are more upscale than those of Medellin.

- People in Sao Paolo are more friendly than in Medellin. There's no ice to be broken. I have met some nice folks in Medellin as well, but on a whole, in Sao Paolo, it wasn't something to think about.

- For the fellas, chica-wise, Sao Paolo is loaded with hot chicas. More chicas in Sao Paolo will speak some English, as opposed to their counterparts in Medellin. On pure looks, Medellin has the edge, but Sampa chicas are generally more "natural," if you feel me, and more down-to-earth.

JMO.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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TheIntrepidTraveller says on Nov 29, 2005, 10:31:

An addendum to my previous comment... Clearly I was mistaken with my quote, "There is no way many Argentines speak good Spanish..." Just in case it wasnt obvious, I meant to say theres no way many Argentines speak good ENGLISH.

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NomadicLife says on Nov 29, 2005, 11:39:

Brazil (Rio) vs Colombia (Medellin) Crime: In Rio, even in upscale Ipanema, I always had to be on high-alert. And don't even expect all those well-armed cops around would help you if you get robbed right in front of them. They're quite useless, unless they're robbing you!... I'd have to say that I never felt I had to keep watching my back in Medellin (except the time I had too much to drink and walked around Centro with 3 other gringos wanting to check out Parque Berrio... Scary!)

Women: I'd have to say Colombianas have the 'complete package', especially face-wise. But, I'd agree with toneloc in saying that Brasileiras are more 'natural'. VERY minimal use of makeup, if at all.

Food: Rio, hands down.

Nightlife: Rio. Not even close.

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Rubiazo says on Nov 29, 2005, 14:10:

Wow some good posts! Rocita thank you for your input!! It is nice to see somebody state their case objectively. Was that actually you we were discussing on the brazzil.com forum when the incident happened? I remember O Globo reporting on some English tourists getting attacked in Ipamena a few months back!

It seems to me that the police in Rio are very complicit in a lot of this. There is unfortunately a rapidly growing anti-gringo sentiment in Rio especially these days, which may well mean despite the numbers the risk is a LOT higher for you personally if you are 'de fora'.

I have never been to Sao Paulo personally, but I have literally scores for friends from there here in NYC, plus people I know from taking aikido classes some time back. Some of them insist that SP is the best place in the whole world for restaurants, and I have heard this collaborated by my Canadian expat friend who also live here now. We are talking about people who have been to London, Paris, LA, etc. too, so I really hope to visit there soon and OD on the food!

Toneloc, I'm surprised about your comment that SP is easier to get around than anywhere in Colombia. Everybody else I've talked to tells me SP is the hardest place they have ever been to get around, including my friend who just got back from there and other friends who currently live there. I always ask 'well, don't they have a good train system there?' they say yes but the train only touches a fraction of the places you may need to go and after that its traffic traffic traffic!!

I don't know about Medellin, but I found Bogota a very easy place to get around. The longest trip I took in Bogota was an hour or so, and I had to come from all the way west and then go all the way north, literally from city limit to city limit!

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Rubiazo says on Nov 29, 2005, 14:15:

Toneloc believe it or not, Bogota is the PERFECT climate for me (as long as it stays cloudy!!). I was in Rio in August, right in the dead of their winter and it was pretty good too. Rio in the summer is something I don't think I'd wanna experience. I have a hard enough time dealing with NYC summers with the heat and humidity. Even Medellin I found too hot for me, I was sweating at the airport. Everybody is different. Elmo was telling me he never had AC here up until a few years ago. I would die.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 29, 2005, 14:26:

I can't co,pare that much I o I can't coMpare that much I've only been in Ecuador, and to tell you the truth and never check any details to compare apart from than in Ecuador the coffe is HORRIBLE

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toneloc24 says on Nov 29, 2005, 17:29:

SP and Rio are completely different It's like the Colombia equivalent of Cartagena and Bogota. Few similiarities across the board, feel me? Weather, people, etc.

The bus and train system in Sao Paolo is very efficient for a major city. Problem is, in a city of 19 million people, of course there will be areas that won't be on the train line. There are special lanes for buses only, and are observed. Car traffic is completely unlike anything that I've ever witnessed, including LA, NYC, and London. During the peak traffic times, the express bus is a faster alternative to a taxi, as an example.

Re: Rio de Janeiro and the anti-American sentiment. I have also visited Rio many times, but not in the past two years thankfully. Apparently, things have gotten ugly for Americans there, but much of it is self-inflicted. Allow me to explain a little.

First, Brasil objected to its citizens being subjected to fingerprinting and photoed upon entry into the USA. After 9/11, the USA instituted a policy for all foreigners to be processed with fingerprints and photos. I believe this started in 2003. In response to this, Brasil started subjecting American tourists to the same treatment, but only American citizens. I actually stood in line (a separate marked line for Americans) on the heels of this in Sao Paolo for five hours, waiting to processed to enter the country. Of course, this occurred during a period in which the federal police had gone on strike. Talk about a mess, after a 9 hour flight. I believe the fingerprinting is still in place.

Then, there were two Americans arrested and deported from Brasil for separate incidents. In one case, during the fingerprinting and photo process, one belligerent American unwisely used the opportunity to give the Brasilian immigration officials and federal police his middle finger. They arrested him and detained him 3 days before deporting him back to the USA with a federal police escort.

In another incident, there was drunk American flying down on Varig or American Airlines (I forget), who apparently got bothered by the incessant crying of a baby. What does this doofus do? He intentionally throws a cup of water in the baby's face. I wish I was making this stuff up. Of course, that sets off a posse of passengers who proceed to kick his ass, until the co-pilots and flight crew protect the dude and sequester him away from the rest of the passengers until the flight lands. He is arrested upon arrival and deported days later.

Then, there have been two separate instances of mostly American male sex tourists being arrested on boats rides. The last one netted over 25 Americans. There has also been a couple of police raids on the set of porn film sets, being run by Americans.

All of these incidents were loudly blasted throughout the Brasilian media.

Since Rio has become more popular with Americans, and prostitution is legal there, many guys end up in Copacabana with these girls who will do anything for a small fee. Some of these guys take this to mean that all Brasilian women in Rio are easily attainable (kinda like how some treat the girls in Cartagena) and try to treat normal women the same as the Copacabana putas (garotas). Of course, that strikes a nerve locally.

Then, you have dudes throwing large amounts of money around, making themselves and other Americans petty theft targets. To a thief, Copacabana and Ipanema, anywhere where gringoes are, is a goldmine.

So if there is a anti-American bias, blame our fellow Americans for contributing to this fire.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Rubiazo says on Nov 29, 2005, 20:48:

That is pretty unbelievable, ditto Mario! I knew about all that stuff in Rio, especially the boat ride. The sad thing is there was NOTHING illegal about it!!! The porn stuff is a little more of a grey area, because Brazil has VERY strict privacy laws.

They also arrested an American a Venezuelan and a Brazilian operating a webcam studio out of downtown Rio. But I have a Brazilian friend in SP who owns her own webcam studio and assures me that it is 100% legal, she even hired a lawyer to draw up the contracts and everything! So I guess the vibe down there is that if you are Brazilian you can get away with it, if you are a foreinger they are going to put your balls in a sling!!

I'm still interested in investing in Brazil but shit like that scares me from ever taking up permanent residence there :( Then again maybe SP or some other side of the country doesn't suffer from the same double standard.

The fingerprinting thing only lasted 3 weeks or so. You got REAL unlucky on that one my friend :P

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