This study examined population invariance of equating functions over subgroups defined by ethnicity on a teacher certification test. Investigating subgroup equating invariance was important because the total group who took this test consists of two subgroups (i.e., Hispanic and non-Hispanic) and the Hispanic group is a distinctively more able…

A method for volunteer teachers to help students set learning objectives in a home-based English-as-a-Second-Language program for native Spanish-speakers is presented. The philosophy is that in this kind of learning program, real-life language situations are most appropriate for language study and mastery, and that those situations are best chosen…

A study of the development of bilingual/bicultural instructional materials (mostly for Spanish-speaking populations) and the institutions involved in their use, preparation, and distribution is described. A review of representative materials and on-site visits to 75 institutions, programs, and publishers in New York, California, Florida, Puerto…

This study examined attitudes among Puerto Rican-American parents toward the processes of assessment, placement and instruction of students with disabilities. Twelve such families in a low-income, mostly Hispanic urban community were interviewed and observed and ethnographic methods used to assess the role of their culture in parents'…

The nature and source of onomatopeic words in Spanish are discussed in order of decreasing resemblance to the sound imitated. The first group of onomatopeic words are the interjections, in which sound effects and animal sounds are expressed. Repetition is often used to enhance the effect. The second group includes verbs and nouns derived from the…

It is important to introduce and facilitate oral activities in the second language classroom with enthusiasm in a climate of mutual support and cooperation. Students should understand that mistakes are inevitable but not fatal, and that each attempt will build greater ease and confidence in using the language for communication. Oral proficiency…

A study of Texas high school students who are native speakers of Spanish with high levels of language ability was undertaken on the assumptions that (1) a large number existed, (2) bilingual schooling may have increased the prevalence of these individuals, and (3) from academic and professional points of view, these abilities might be used more…

To improve conditions at a nonprofit day care center serving low-income, mainly non-English-speaking families, this practicum addressed the need of recently immigrated parents to increase their knowledge of child development and available community resources. A total of 52 Hispanic parents were given materials at an information distribution area…

The scope and sequence format for foreign language instruction in Waukesha, Wisconsin's public schools is presented. It charts the specific concepts, skills, and objectives to be included in foreign language exploration (FLEX) courses and courses in French, German, Latin, and Spanish at each of five levels. Each concept, skill, and objective is…

A lesson is presented that is designed to assist intermediate and advanced students of Spanish in both language proficiency and cultural understanding. Entirely in Spanish, the lesson focuses on the character of Tio Conejo, a well-known figure in Latin American folklore, offering insight into the significant contribution made to Hispanic…

Although research on bilingualism in the schools shows the importance of measuring both English and Spanish language skills regularly, the testing of Spanish falls behind in both quality and frequency. Concerted multidisciplinary cooperation among bilingual educators, linguists, and psychometricians is now needed to produce a variety of valid…

A guide for teachers of conversational Spanish is intended for the elementary school (grades 4-6) or beginning level. It is designed to introduce students to the sounds and pronunciation of Spanish, and uses the audio-lingual method. The guide contains introductory notes on the scope and sequence of skills and concepts, suggestions for classroom…

This transcript and guide of a two-cassette course is designed to assist Hispanic immigrants erase their foreign accents. The course is appropriate for either individual or group study. The guide includes narrative and taped demonstrations of American English that pinpoint typical phonological barriers and pronunciation difficulties and provide…

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…