This guide provides general direction to school districts on elementary French programs. In addition to giving the rationale of an elementary French program and indicating where supplementary resource material can be found, it suggests program goals and learning outcomes for programs in grades K-7. A second section on current research on second language learning deals with the following topics: (1) the importance of learning a second language; (2) the ideal age for learning a second language; (3) organizational factors that affect teaching a second language; (4) other factors to be considered in a second language program, such as students' background, the effect on other subject areas, and inservice training; (5) some successful teaching methods; and (6) conclusions regarding expectations of various types of elementary programs. A sizable bibliography completes the volume. (AMH)