A study is made of students at 17 schools which in September 1971 offered a primary immersion program in French as well as the standard English language classroom. The progress of the students was examined in terms of their grade level placement over time and in terms of attrition rates. (Author/RM)

The need for assessment of the extent to which second language immersion programs develop students who have a good command of both languages is described, and a method is proposed for measuring bilingualism. A report is made of an application of this unit of measurement. (RM)

A summary is given of a research conference held in Montreal in November 1975. Six themes of the conference are outlined and discussed: identification of program goals for evaluation; program structure and evaluation; program product and evaluation; process of second language acquisition, dissemination of information; responsibilities of the…

More colleges should offer a FLES methods course. Through student teaching, language teachers encounter typical situations with administrators and classroom teachers. Courses should provide techniques, materials and assistance. Teachers would support FLES and become more creative in teaching if given such a methods course. (CHK)

Argues that the continuing expansion of teaching English to young learners (TEYL) brings challenges to the wider English language teaching field (ELT). Discusses why starting younger may not bring automatic improvement to language standards unless teacher education and secondary language teaching both rise to the challenges of the new situation.…

Reviews selected national policy recommendations and examines their impact on state policy making in Iowa, specifically in terms of the number and quality of Iowa elementary school foreign language programs and teacher qualifications from the mid-1980s through the 1990s. (Author/VWL)

Although using children's literature as the core of an elementary school foreign language program can be time consuming and tedious, with sufficient preparation, it can become a meaningful and memorable experience for both teachers and students. Story activities used by a first-grade Spanish teacher are described. (MDM)

The Arizona Elementary Foreign Language Task Force's response to a state mandate requiring foreign-language instruction in all elementary schools is described. After a review of curricular and personnel resource needs, Northern Arizona University's teacher-training model is summarized. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/LB)

This report describes successful programs abroad that use foreign languages in courses on foreign-language teaching methodology and that enable participants to experience first hand the language and culture of the language. (Contains six references.) (Author/LB)

Discusses the use of creative writing in second language classrooms, focusing on techniques that can help students construct their own poetry and poem-like creations in the target language. Maintains that student poetry can help enliven the classroom experience and allow students to express their own ideas. (39 references) (MDM)

Gives history and impact of magnet schools on second-language learning. Language magnets serve as an effective means for drawing parents and their children to new schools. These schools have contributed to the expansion of language learning opportunities and have affected the quality of language teaching and learning in the United States. (36…

A discussion of French foreign language instruction in the elementary schools (FLES) in the United States looks at the rationale behind and proliferation of FLES programs and the diversity of program models, including exploratory, traditional second language, and immersion. (MSE)

Highlights a national town meeting, sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University, on early language learning. Discussion focused on parental support, the need for funding, the need for qualified teachers, the benefits of early language learning, and the need for advocacy. (VWL)

Investigates the impact of a national institute on effecting change in the number of colleges and universities that prepare elementary school foreign language teachers. Results of survey instruments and telephone interviews with teacher educators indicate that the number of sites that prepare teachers for early levels of instruction increased and…

Provides an overview of how language skills in young learners have been assessed in two primary school contexts, carried out in a total of seven Austrian primary schools. The schools took part in an initiative where the integration of a foreign language was introduced when children entered primary school at the age of six. (Author/VWL)