Discusses the importance of fairness in evaluation studies of second-language programs and the potential for misinterpretation of studies which are not program-fair. Strategies designed to overcome this problem from the perspective of standardized tests include: specific tests for each program, program-specific plus program-neutral measures,…

Evaluation of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) programs is needed to provide feedback (descriptive data about a school's offerings) and accountability (program accomplishments). Thorough program evaluation verifies both a district's thoughtful, written philosophy of foreign language education and local goals. Some FLES program…

Offers a general review of videotape in supervising foreign language teaching assistants and describes in detail the method adopted by the University of California at Davis. Describes this method as a three-person videofeedback model involving a teaching assistant, a TA supervisor, and a video analyst. (MES)

A discussion of second language program evaluation is intended for staff (teachers, program planners, materials writers, program managers) of programs being evaluated, to help them understand the process and dynamics of program evaluation. It addresses common concerns and fears about evaluation, offers ways in which staff can cooperate with…

The Australian Language Levels (ALL) Project offers a coherent model for elementary and secondary language curriculum design. Book 3 of the four-volume series focuses on teaching methods, appropriate instructional resources, and student evaluation and provides advice for teachers in each of these areas. The section on methods discusses the…

The National Core French Study developed four syllabuses and assessed their applicability in Core French classes in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. In this segment of the report, options in student evaluation are discussed and their relevance for monitoring student learning and perceptions in this context are considered. It is intended…

One teacher's experiences teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults in community-based programs are drawn upon to illustrate how ESL syllabus design can better reflect the conditions that attract students to community agencies, and how the agencies can better serve students uninterested in or disadvantaged by formal educational…

The method used for assessing German language majors and minors at Bradley University (Illinois) is described. The method uses multiple assessment techniques, and has seven parts: (1) a re-taking of the German entry placement examination; (2) review of results of a two-part exit survey (questionnaire appended), designed to obtain information about…

A handbook designed to acquaint college and university language departments with recent developments in oral proficiency testing gives an overview of the rationale, development, procedures, and implications of oral proficiency evaluation. The discussion is placed in the context of college and university language teaching. An overview section…

Evaluation of a French and Spanish second language program in grades four through seven of a rural school system has begun with a formative evaluation for the first three years and will conclude with a one-year summative evaluation. The research questions focus on four concerns: (1) school personnel and parent perceptions of the program during its…

This manual invites California's educators and residents to join in planning and implementing changes that will improve elementary schooling. Chapters cover: (1) the processes of planning and implementing change; (2) quality criteria for elementary schools; (3) the program quality review process; (4) practice exercises and scenarios; (5) exercises…

The English language training (ELT) program self-review document provides a framework for systematic and consistent self-evaluation of local ELT programs, using specific quality indicators. The document is divided into eight sections, each defining a major component or area of responsibility for effective ELT operation: program planning;…

The Southeastern Wisconsin Workplace Communication Project is a workplace English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) resource and outreach program involving a partnership of businesses and adult educators in a rural area that has experienced an increase in new speakers of English in the manufacturing workforce. The guide provides workplace educators and…

The curriculum guide for the basic German second language program in Manitoba elementary and secondary schools is presented. The first part offers the rationale for the broad goals of the program, with a focus on the benefits of cultural and language education for individuals and society alike. This section also contains a discussion of the…

A collection of essays addresses the evaluation of college and university English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs, curricula, services, faculty, and administration. They include the following: "Developing Effective Evaluation Systems for Language Programs" (James D. Brown, Martha C. Pennington); "Self-Study and Self-Regulation for ESL…