New York State's syllabus for second language education is designed to help local school district personnel fulfill state mandates and develop curricula consistent with state standards. It identifies the components of intended learning outcomes and implications for instruction, but does not specify instructional methods to be used. The guide outlines the overall educational philosophy and communicative approach on which the syllabus is based; states the syllabus goals and their relationship to specific Board of Regents goals; defines and describes the four components of communication (functions, situations, topics, and proficiencies) and their relationships to the intended learning outcomes; describes a curriculum development process that can be used locally and offers suggestions for developing communicative outcomes; suggests one way to plan a unit of instruction; discusses the role of evaluation in modern language teaching; suggests interdisciplinary activities to enhance language instruction; and describes uses of technology for enhancing instruction. A list of overall Board of Regents goals for elementary and secondary education is appended. (MSE)