These English as a Second Language (ESL) Content Standards were developed to accommodate the local conditions Pennsylvania's ESL students and teachers face across the state and to align state standards with the National Reporting System Educational Functioning Levels. The standards are designed as a teaching tool in the development of…

Presents the 1986 proficiency guidelines for Russian developed by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The guidelines cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for the levels of novice, intermediate, advanced, and superior. (CB)

Discusses the use of computers in schools and presents the factors to be considered before buying a school computer. Presents ways in which computers can be used in language instruction to teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking, to test, to translate, and to impart cultural information. (SED)

This is a set of generic proficiency goals in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and culture developed for all languages and for French, German, and Spanish specifically. Both the common and specific goals are being field tested to determine their utility for college and university language instructors. In addition, a questionnaire has been…

A brief description of the English-language proficiency level expected of ninth-grade Israeli students introduces a tabular guide to various English readers, along with their basic vocabulary ranges. (LB)

Asserts that observation is the key to discovering what non-native students already know about English and what their inclinations and abilities are when they enter the classroom. Documents a first-grade teacher's experiences with second-language learners in her classroom. (MM)

Closed-captioned videotapes and accompanying print materials are available to the Prince George's County Public Schools English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program to help students develop their sight and meaning vocabulary, oral reading fluency, prediction skills, and ability to locate information in written texts. This manual is intended to…

Argues that the importance of student exchange programs is often overlooked in the planning of translator training. Applies basic economic principles to show that such programs present excellent possibilities for translator training. (HB)

Outlines the preferred learning styles of students studying second languages, offering suggestions for their application in second-language classrooms. The paper describes the right-brain/left-brain theory and how the two brain hemispheres are involved in learning; presents four classroom strategies (diversification, contextualization,…

This handbook provides useful information on using the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) standards with English-as-a-Second-or-Other-Language (ESOL) students. The ALBSU standards were developed as the result of the Basic Skills Accreditation Initiative funded by the British Department of Education and Science and the Employment…

Sociodramatic play, which combines role play and dramatization, is suitable for elementary and secondary language classrooms. It is learner centered and caters to varying language abilities. Children draw upon their existing experiences as the basis for their play. Teacher input is essential. The paper examines advantages and disadvantages of this…

State and federal laws mandate that local educational agencies equip students who have limited English proficiency with the English language skills necessary to succeed in all academic content areas. In efforts to comply with both state and federal law, the Arizona State Department of Education (ADE) has developed a mechanism to identify, assess,…

Language qualifications and graduates are likely to be in demand in the 1990s and in the future. In response to this demand, this book provides information and advice to sixth formers (British students aged 16 or more) who wish to extend their study of languages and to equip themselves with marketable linguistic skills. The book will also provide…

The process of first and second language acquisition is the subject of this training module. It guides trainers through the activities and lessons necessary to familiarize administrators, teachers and other school staff with the processes a non-English speaking student goes through during the acquisition of English as a Second Language. Nine…

Outlines a rationale for using movies in modern language classes. Films in the target-language are useful in promoting listening comprehension and target-language culture. Films in students' native language may also be useful. The paper identifies ways for teachers to develop content-rich units that foster language learning. Two appendixes list…