The New York City schools' syllabus for the first three years of high school Italian instruction outlines a communicative curriculum conforming to state standards of preparation for state language proficiency examinations. The syllabus begins with an introductory section that describes the objectives and approach used and provides suggestions for integrating the outline into program design. The curriculum focuses on communicative situations, functions, and proficiencies. The guide then charts a variety of content topics and subtopics, each with suggested simulated situations and the corresponding functions, thematic vocabulary, thematic structures, and related structures to be taught. Topics include greetings, giving and requesting personal information, personal identification, physical characteristics, psychological characteristics, house and home, rooms and other lodging elements, family life, community and neighborhood, physical environment, climate and weather, quality of environment, food and meal-taking, health and welfare, school, employment, leisure, activities, public and private services, shopping, travel, and current events. Within each topic and subtopic, the portions of the curriculum intended for the first year (Checkpoint A) and for the second and third years (Checkpoint B) are distinguished. (MSE)