Description: A typical course has some "hard" parts. These "hard" parts are the places where weaker students begin to fail, lose interest, and give up. The paper introduces a metric by which to evaluate each course topic. High metric values indicate "hard parts" of courses. The paper recommends spending more course time on hard parts and less course time on easy parts. The paper also recommends using disclosure: Tell students - this part of the course is "hard" and they may feel uncomfortable which is why more time is being spent on it." This approach to hard parts works! Failure rates are significantly reduced, while retention, satisfaction, and student scores improve.

Description: The chairperson for the marketing and distribution section discusses the section welcome call and outline future topics and themes for the year head.

Description: This is an editorial about the new format of the newsletter and impetus behind it.

Description: Service to Canadian members and their stakeholders is a top priority for the SOA, in 2016, the SOA formed an advisory group consisting exclusively of Canadian actuaries—aptly named the Canadian Advisory Council (CAC).

Description: Describes professional development opportunities sought by subgroup members and highlights offerings for in-force managers at the 2019 SOA Annual Meeting & Exhibit.

Description: An update on the status of the Product Development Section's research projects.

Description: Feature article discussing post-level term mortality expectations.

Description: Leadership Interview with CMS Chief Actuary, Paul Spitalnic

Description: Joe Wurzburger, Staff Fellow at the SOA, shares his views and insights about the health care industry in general and the Health Section's role in particular.

Description: Editors note summarizing contents of the newsletter and volunteer opportunities.