Two studies at the Defense Language Institute (California) investigated the contribution of several variables to prediction of post-language-training proficiency: (1) scores on a general vocational aptitude battery and a language aptitude battery, both used to screen potential students; (2) scores on other cognitive measures not used in the…

A discussion of bilingualism in Australia begins with examination of the climate there for development of bilingualism, including specific supportive policies at both state and federal levels, increasing support for bilingualism within local communities, research providing evidence of the benefits of bilingualism, and technological developments…

The Foreign Language/Area Studies Enhancement Program at Central State University (Ohio) is an experience-centered work and study program in Africa designed to give students training in language, culture, and technology. It parallels and supports the university's northern Senegal water management project designed to promote self-sufficiency among…

Papers on foreign language education include: "The Message Is the Medium: Using Video Materials To Facilitate Foreign Language Performance" (Thomas J. Garza), which explores the use of this medium to enhance commonly-used non-communicative or text-bound teaching materials; "Product and Process Aspects of NES/EFL Students' Persuasive…

This report presents the findings of the 1998 survey of providers of training in English or French as a second or foreign language in Canada. The purpose of the survey was to gather information at the national level and, where possible, at the regional level, on the size of the industry, its characteristics, and the role played by foreign…

Discusses the process of making change in teacher education, examining a second-language teacher education program and noting the importance of reflective thinking. The program encourages learners to explore alternatives in order to enrich teaching and learning and make teaching and learning an integrative process. The university-school…

Discusses the infusion of environmental education across the entire school curriculum as mandated by the state of Washington. Specifies suggestions for agriculture education, art education, foreign language, health education, home economics, industrial education, language arts, mathematics, physical education, science, and social studies. (MCO)

The goal of the study was to compare the literacy challenges faced by children who speak nonstandard dialects of English and for whom Standard English is a "second dialect" with challenges faced by children for whom Standard English is a "second language." The study focused on the extent to which discourse patterns in the…

A program to train volunteer teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is described and evaluated. The program was designed to enrich skills for teaching listening, reading, and speaking, and increase volunteers' appreciation and understanding of the multicultural backgrounds of the students in one adult basic education center. The…

New York's state standards for student achievement in second language learning, for languages other than English, are outlined in the areas of both communication skills and cultural awareness, at three proficiency levels. The first standard is that "students will be able to use a language other than English for communication." The second…

A national survey of state foreign language supervisors gathered information on any significant change in second language instruction in their states. Surveys from 30 states were returned. Topic areas included: (1) the impact of systemic reform during 1995; (2) federal funding for standards and reform, and whether or not second language programs…

An evaluation of the foreign language programs of the Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools is presented. It is divided into six ares: (1) Introduction; (2) Context Evaluation; (3) Input Evaluation; (4) Process Evaluation; (5) Product Evaluation; and (6) the Future. Sections include: a statement of program mission and philosophy; notes on the context…

The annual survey of the Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL) and National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages (NCSSFL) assessed state-level support for foreign language, bilingual, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) education. Respondents were 78 employees within state departments of education and state language…

The report reviews current research findings related to the three entry points (early, middle, late) for French immersion programs in Ottawa (Ontario) elementary and secondary schools. It consists of: an executive summary and brief overview; an annotated bibliography covering authoritative immersion research reviews and reports published since…

The journal for teachers of Celtic languages in the United States and Canada contains six articles. "Motivation and Gender: A Welsh Case Study" (Christine M. Jones) examines data on characteristics of one group of students of Welsh, focusing on gender-related motivational differences. "Morphological Objects" (Annette…