Evaluation

After attending three and a half days in a private school Baaskaa’s level of education was evaluated.

Based on performance in class and homework, his knowledge and use of the Mongolian language is assessed as fourth grade level, while his math skills are assessed as seventh grade level.

Baaskaa is very embarrassed about these results. As he puts it, he’s 19 years old and has an education level of a 10 to 12 year old. It had been difficult to convince him that being evaluated will be helpful in the future. I tried to make him understand that the knowledge will give him the power to act and change things – not necessarily something a 19 year old fully appreciates or understands. But I think somehow he is glad he did it. He acted more embarrassed then he really was.

He didn’t have the luxury to go to school, not for a single day in 16 years, yet he learned how to read, write and solve math problems entirely by himself, without anyone motivating him! For that and what it stands for I am incredibly proud of him.
His tutor is creating a long-term program, which he can complete online, while at work. The goal is to bring him up to eighth grade level in both subjects and prepare him for his middle school diploma. I am not sure how long it will take Baaskaa if he works full time, but at least we have a plan.

This kid could do what ever he wants, if only we could take care of the basics. I keep telling him and encourage him to look at opportunities and possibilities he never had the luxury to consider. He listens intently, but stays skeptical. One day I will get through to him.