Results indicate that (1) Puerto Rican college students are much less apprehensive about communication in their native language than are U.S. students; and (2) apprehension in a first language is a much better predictor of apprehension in a second language than is self-perceived competence in that second language. (PD)

Spanish speaking first graders were administered the Artes de Lenguage (ADL)--a Spanish, criterion-referenced, language arts test. Reliability analyses indicated the adequacy of three of the four subscales (Phonetic Analysis, Vocabulary Development, Comprehension Skills, and General Skills). A principal factors analysis of the intercorrelation…

Discusses ways to teach critical reading skills and writing production to adult learners of Spanish who already have a basic command of the essential grammatical structures, some aural comprehension and reading ability, and adequate capacity to communicate orally. Describes and provides examples of several sample exercises. (SED)

Reports a case of a native speaker of Spanish with reading and spelling difficulties in both English and Spanish. Argues that the regular Spanish spelling system prevented these difficulties from becoming apparent and discusses the connections between writing systems and second language learning. (Author/SED)

Reports on research which tested individuals (N=773) for their memory of Spanish learned in high school or college. Data suggest that knowledge is retained and can be accessed 25 to 50 years later, and that what happens during learning, not periodic practice after schooling ends, is critical for long-term memory. (JN)

Describes a pilot program offering conversational Spanish to elementary school students. The "Total Physical Response" technique was used initially, followed by an emphasis on comprehension and the creation of a natural language environment, all as means of facilitating second language acquisition at the children's level. (SL)

Annotates books that can introduce students and teachers to the world of Hispanic and pre-Columbian culture, specifically art. (FL)

Stresses the importance of systematically determining children's language dominance before enrolling them in bilingual programs, and evaluates a variety of methods used to determine language dominance. A table listing 25 aural and oral instruments (including rating scales, interview schedules, and parallel tests) is provided. (CW)

Discusses the themes of the murals and explores the possible uses that the murals in Los Angeles have for the outsider, the non-Chicano, for those who have only a little understanding or awareness of the Chicano community. (Author/AM)

s2400 is intended to help students learn, review, and reinforce their knowledge of basic Spanish grammar. The computer contains the entire body of knowledge to be taught, presenting it to the student in a manner predetermined by an instructor. The language lab program at West Chester State College is described. (POP)

An activity intended to foster authentic conversation in the foreign language classroom--a hypothetical situation involving a choice of people who are to survive--is reported. French, German, and Spanish versions of the material are provided. (RM)

Language teachers can also provide cultural instruction. Language texts may be adapted for such use by relating language structures to cultural background and providing cultural reading in English and the target language. Basic patterns of living such as work, play, time, religion, economy can be used to organize language teaching. (CHK)

This article presents a practical approach to assessing Spanish-English bilingualism in Mexican-American children entering school. The general aim of bilingual assessment is discussed. The approach to assessment includes a method of selecting subjects, the use of a sociolinguistic survey, and tests for measuring bilingual communicative competence.…

This issue of "SEDL Letter" discusses a variety of subjects, including how to improve instruction for adolescent readers and struggling readers, using literacy coaching as an approach for ongoing professional development, and how to motivate students to read. Also, a visit to Bernalillo, New Mexico, is described to acknowledge how…