Decries the stereotypes and prejudices that affect U. S. relations with the Hispanic world and with its own Hispanic minorities. Points out that these attitudes also affect the study of Spanish as a foreign language and suggests means by which educators can improve the Hispanic image among Anglo Americans. (MES)

Stresses need for support of international studies and foreign language programs throughout the U.S. educational system. Reports status of foreign language instruction on National Association of Independent Schools campuses. Discusses primary goals of secondary level foreign language teaching. (JD)

The Chicago Board of Education's testing and tutoring program allows high school students to qualify for advanced classes, independent study, and credit in 29 foreign languages. Tapping the city's diverse ethnic resources for materials preparation and tutoring, the program has increased language enrollments by motivating students to explore their…

A study of the writing processes of ten fifth-grade French immersion students examined 22 features of their writing in both English and French. Differences across languages occurred in eight features, and students displayed a wide range of writing process behaviors in both languages. (Author/MSE)

It is proposed that language studies must be linked to careers without sacrificing the discipline's educational core. A survey of language majors enrolled in the Applied Studies Co-op program at the University of Waterloo (Canada) shows one way to link language study and careers successfully. (Author/MSE)

Notes that sign language is the third most used second language in the United States and that early childhood is an ideal language-learning time. Describes the experiences of one preschool where American Sign Language has become an integral part of the curriculum. Includes guiding principles, classroom do's and don'ts, and a resource list of…

Describes the use of illuminative techniques in the formative evaluation of a sheltered immersion project in Geneva, Switzerland. Interviews and questionnaires with students and teachers were used in subsequent teacher workshops. This process resulted in positive feedback from the principal and the teachers involved in this project. (Contains six…

Highlights the results of a 1994 telephone survey conducted by the Modern Language Association (MLA) of a sample of English and foreign language departments designed to ascertain changes in department size, faculty vacancies, student enrollment and majors, staffing, and course offerings over the 1980-94 period. (MDM)

Discusses the effects of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and various state laws on the foreign language requirements of Virginia college and university programs. Foreign language instructors and departments need to be aware of their responsibilities in accommodating learning-disabled…

Discusses the introduction of languages other than English (LOTE) into primary schools in Australia, focusing on curriculum planning, classroom methodology, and student transition from primary to secondary language programs. Emphasizes the need to break down the barriers between primary and secondary second language instruction. (15 references)…

A change in philosophy concerning the maintenance of native languages has led to local efforts to revive the French language in the St. John Valley (Maine), including the formation of a community organization and implementation of language programs in which children in all grades receive daily instruction in French. (LP)

A study of nine federally funded Special Alternative Instructional Programs for language-minority students in which English was the primary language of instruction showed that the incorporation of students' native languages in instruction need not be an all-or-nothing phenomenon. The complexities of using students' native languages in schooling…

The Zanzibar Ministry of Education instituted an English reading program into all secondary schools in 1989 to raise the levels of English teaching and learning (English being the medium of instruction and testing from secondary level and beyond). The program description and conclusions include implications for program design and implementation.…

Offers a comprehensive program for improving the working relationship between home and school for foreign language programs and their students. The course outline, homework policy, parental assistance, monitoring and support, parent/teacher conferences, and the use of other special conference sessions are discussed. (seven references) (GLR)

Results of the Modern Language Association's 1987-89 survey of characteristics of college and university curricula are presented. Survey questions dealt with characteristics of introductory language courses, the availability and range of immersion experiences, and the types of courses offered. (four references) (VWL)