La Escuelita, a Warwick (Rhode Island) Spanish language instruction program for children in grades 3 through 6, originated in 1983 in a group-tutoring program and expanded under the auspices of the local Parent-Teacher Association into an after-school activity for all city schoolchildren. The PTA undertook the administrative tasks, and the…

An Italian program integrating second language instruction into the elementary school curriculum is described. The program is seen as a forward-looking effort but lacking in important cultural content. Discrepancies between objectives and classroom reality are discussed. (MSE)

A discussion of FLES (foreign language in the elementary school, including introductory, exploratory, or immersion) looks at the challenges that need to be identified and met for successful planning and implementation. The role and importance of FLES in the 1990s is briefly reviewed, FLES program types are outlined, and FLES is examined in greater…

Offers an account of the teaching of French and German in English elementary schools between 1872 and 1904. Argues that French and German became established in the curriculum during this period. Examines the decline of modern language study at the elementary level relative to the Board of Education's policy. (KO)

A study investigated the instructional and curricular changes made in seven Mesa (Arizona) public elementary schools as a result of a 1989 state mandate for second language instruction at the elementary school level. In the schools under study, Spanish second language instruction is integrated into the core curriculum. The study examined…

The recent dissolution of many FLES programs throughout the nation is seen as a trend which is directly related to the quality of the instructional program offered. Consequently, the author lists general criteria to determine standards of excellence in FLES programs and proposes specific constraints to be observed in the development of new FLES…

The Bellevue (Washington) public schools' Spanish immersion program is described and program-related information is provided for parents. The description outlines general program goals and the basic educational assumptions underlying them, briefly chronicles the history of immersion education and of the Bellevue program, enumerates curriculum…

This resource book addresses many of the factors involved in establishing and maintaining an elementary school foreign language program. Chapter 1 provides information on various program models. Chapter 2 addresses program issues, such as establishing a program rationale and choosing the language or languages to be taught, in order to provide…

The teachers' guide for a 4-week, 4-hours-per-day elementary school summer program in French consists of information and suggestions for program implementation and materials for use with students. The introductory section contains a general program description, including broad program objectives for language comprehension, language production, and…

A shift in instructional focus to student needs and interests spurred the development of a different approach to French second language program design in Alberta. A practical curriculum planning model is offered that is based on: (1) communicative and student-centered activities; (2) responsiveness to teacher needs; and (3) supporting planning for…

The conceptual framework within which Alberta's elementary school French immersion programs are designed is presented. The first of three main sections outlines the evolution of the concept of language and some second language instructional approaches, including the structural, formalist, functional, and communicative approaches. It also discusses…

The handbook for the Culver City (California) Spanish Immersion Program and the Advocates for Language Learning (ALL) describes the program and organization. ALL is a nonprofit association of parents, teachers, and other individuals interested in promoting and enhancing the study of second languages. The organization's goals and local and national…

A French language program used in a Montessori school with children in preschool through junior high grades is described. The program provides language instruction in the classroom by a French specialist as well as separate French classes, a compromise between immersion and the Montessori methodology. The children are able to work independently…

The manual provides information to assist elementary school level program and curriculum designers in the creation and administration of second language programs. It is not a how-to manual, but includes descriptive data about program types in existence and criteria for evaluating language proficiency. It contains: a list of terms used and their…

This state-of-the-art review explores types of foreign language (FL) programs, the rationale for early FL study, research evidence, program development, evaluation issues, and areas for further development. Chapter 1 outlines the various types of early FL programs that have been implemented, such as foreign language experience (FLEX) programs,…