Based on searches by the National Commission on Excellence in Education for notable programs, practices, and goals in American postsecondary education, efforts at 120 postsecondary institutions are described. The descriptions are grouped, with each group preceded by a short introductory essay. The following topics are covered by the essays: the…

Reviews research about orality and literacy. Since foreign language students are already somewhat literate in a first language, the traditional orality-based foreign language teaching should be revised to first teach reading and writing, the literacy skills. (DJD)

What is wrong in the American parochialism about foreign languages is the assumption that language acquisition is a cosmetic gain, without any immediate or forseeable practical use. Languages will only be learned effectively when Americans learn that they can be used in getting tasks accomplished. (MSE)

The teaching of English as a second language (ESL) to adults and students in the United Kingdom is examined with respect to teacher training program design. Articles are devoted to ESL teacher training programs at the University of Edinburgh, the University College of North Wales at Bangor, the University of Lancaster, and the University of…

Explores issues of competency and proficiency in the learning of foreign languages at the undergraduate level, involving competencies currently established for language learning and the establishment of "tracks" in literature, language, and culture. (CB)

The task for those recognizing the importance of foreign language and international studies is to demonstrate to Americans why it makes economic and political sense to invest part of the defense budget in the tools necessary to help Americans talk to, understand, and trade with the rest of the world. (MSE)