This study worked to develop the sociolinguistic competence of college learners of first-year Spanish using input enhancement techniques that required learners to actively view video. Research shows that native speakers are more sensitive to sociolinguistic errors than to grammatical errors made by nonnative speakers. Therefore, the study…

Articles in this special issue include the following: "Allophonic Splits in L2 Phonology: The Questions of Learnability" (Fred R. Eckman, Abdullah Elreyes, Gregory K. Iverson); "Native Language Influence in Learners' Assessment of English Focus" (M. L. Garcia Lecumberri); "Obstruent Voicing in English and Polish. A…

This bilingual (English-Spanish) guide is intended to assist parents and caregivers in seeking help for children with mental health problems. As part of the system of care, parents and caregivers need to work together to help the child in need. Caregivers and counselors can help families define their strengths, determine the things they want to…

In 1998 it became apparent that support for state assessments in Spanish at the elementary level was waning in Colorado, and it was likely that only an English-language version would be available for the grade 5 mathematics assessment in 1999. A study was conducted to provide empirical results to inform decisions regarding language accommodations…

In compliance with Texas state law, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) provides two programs to serve students identified as limited English proficient (LEP): bilingual education and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL). ESL is both a component of bilingual English and a stand-alone program. In 1997-98, AISD enrolled 10,538 LEP students,…

This guide provides information in English, Bosnian, Russian, Spanish, and Nuer on family planning. Topics covered include a variety of birth control methods: abstinence, condoms, contraceptive foam, birth control pills, the Depo-Provera shot, the Norplant implant, diaphragms, intrauterine devices, natural family planning, sterilization, and the…

Noting research showing that when parents are involved in their children's learning, students achieve more and are less likely to drop out of school, this videotape kit offers Spanish-speaking parents tips to help them become involved in their children's learning, from infancy through adolescence. The kit is intended for use in schools,…

This paper examines the pedagogical implications of ascribing to sociocultural theory in the classroom, reviewing commonplace terms and concepts that may have lost their true meaning and intent through interpretation and misuse. The paper returns to the initial focus of sociocultural theory, cognition and the mind. Through transcripts of a…

A study demonstrated that court interpreter failure to preserve pragmatic features in the interpreted version of courtroom testimony can potentially distort both the lawyer's question and the witness' response. Pragmatic features are defined as those aspects of an utterance that signal how the speaker intends the message to be taken. While some of…

This resource guide will help rural school districts with a low incidence of English language learners (ELLs) develop the capacity to build and implement a comprehensive program that meets both the academic and language proficiency needs of ELLs. Under Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, ELLs must show increased academic achievement…

Article considered the merits of adult education programs in terms of the attitude development and values parents would gain and in turn share with their children. (RK)

Considered the impact of intelligence testing upon Spanish speaking children and the relationship between the classroom environment and bilingual students' social background. (Author/RK)

Safety posters printed in Spanish welcome bi-lingual students to shop; translating, printing, and proofreading recipes and menus for home economics, songs, poems, metric conversion tables, and instruction or project sheets encourage communication with English-speaking students, confer prestige, provide language experience, and draw new students…

The Director of a Multicultural Education Center explores some of the problems and potentials of bilingual-multicultural classrooms from kindergarten through fifth grade. (CS)