Asserts that language teaching is introduced into the curriculum at precisely the wrong time: the point at which language acquisition has diminished and language learning is more dominant. It is also stated that compulsory language learning is destructive and that bilingualism provides another way of looking at the world. (EJS)

The theme of the Fall 1974 conference of the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers was "Foreign Languages and the Changing Curriculum." The 250 teachers who attended were given a questionnaire aimed at identifying needs and areas of concern to foreign language teachers. They were asked to: (1) identify the most serious…

The traditional secondary school language program with a sequential four-level format is being questioned; an alternative is a series of mini-courses elected by students after the second level of language study. Such courses are topic-oriented and may cover any field, from everyday conversation and journalism to an overview of literature or…

Asserts that to revitalize foreign language study we need: (1) a reevaluation of the setting in which foreign language programs exist; (2) uniform standards for initial student placement in foreign language programs; and (3) continual updating by teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors of the objectives, methodology, and content of the…

Outlines a second language program that, over a period of three years, exposes the student to three languages and several teachers and stresses communicative competence. (AM)

Stresses the need to synthesize techniques and methodologies, and to establish a central focus for beginning and intermediate programs of foreign language education in schools, higher education, and adult education programs. General conclusions and priorities are also offered. (EJS)

The aim of this article is to explain what the term "languages for special purposes" means and what it does not mean, to outline the rationale for such a branch of language teaching and to indcate some of the problems it poses for syllabus planners and course designers. Four principal types of problems and considerations are identified and…

These guidelines were developed to assist teacher training institutions in setting up competency-based programs, as mandated by New York State law, for the training of foreign language teachers. The guidelines define basic competencies in the following areas: practical command of the language, language analysis, culture, the teaching-learning…

Bilingual education and the teaching of foreign languages are the topics of this issue. Several columns discuss programs and services of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County. In bilingual education, the following articles are included: (1) "Regents Position Paper: Title VII Guidelines"; (2) "From SED - A…

Current educational research and possible directions for the improvement of second language education in schools are discussed in the light of current Canadian political and economic influences. The Ontario Ministry of Education has proposed three levels of proficiency in French as reasonable objectives to be achieved by secondary schools in their…

The A-LM German materials are analyzed in terms of their weakness and positive features, and suggestions for their use and adaptation are presented. It is argued that: the basic dialogue is almost unusable; the structure drills are repetitive and often not challenging; the taped arrangement of the listening exercises is awkward; the dialogue…