A discussion of current second language testing trends and practices in Australia focuses on the use of performance assessment, providing examples of its application in four specific contexts: an occupational English test used for to assess job-related English language skills as part of the certification procedure for health professionals;…

The seven chapters of this theme issue on second-language instruction illustrate the pedagogical shift from measuring language achievement to emphasizing language proficiency. The issue explores empirical and theoretical investigations into second-language acquisition research in both affective and cognitive domains. (SLD)

This report presents evaluation results of an Oklahoma City Public Schools bilingual and multicultural education program to increase achievement levels and improve multicultural attitudes among Spanish speaking elementary school children of limited English proficiency. Results of English and Spanish tests of language proficiency in kindergarten to…

A study was undertaken in 1981-82 to review the implementation of the Ontario Cabinet submission of October 20, 1977 concerning French as a minority (first) language and the need for major improvements to provide equal educational opportunities in French-language schools or classes. The report of the study presents the findings in seven sections…

These four 1988 issues of the journal of the Society for Accelerated Learning and Teaching (SALT) include the following articles: "Educating the Children of Changing Cultures"; "All Stars to Center Stage: Accelerative Learning in the School of Business"; "SALT in the First Grade Classroom"; "Unlearning…

The six chapters of this issue consider how language shapes the meaning of social policies and programs that are evaluated. Offers interdisciplinary perspectives on these language issues and highlights the practical issues involved in language function in evaluation. (SLD)

This report describes a research project that studied: the speech and language needs of Scottish children and young people with special educational needs, collaboration among parents and professionals, and the perceived effectiveness of different ways of providing speech and language therapy. Data were obtained from a series of mailed…

This research article and literature review is intended to arouse teachers' interest in the possibility of using drama as a supplementary instructional tool for enhancing their teaching as well as their students' learning. It maintains that educational drama can make students more engaged in their learning, render learning more purposeful for…

A study developed criteria for judging state standards for the English language arts and reading and analyzed the 28 current standards documents. The criteria used for judging the standards relate to the purpose, audience, expectations, and assumptions of the standards documents; the organization of the standards; disciplinary coverage of the…

A study examined the English vocabulary of English textbooks used in Swedish upper secondary schools to distinguish differences between the vocabulary of the textbooks and modern, everyday English as represented by newspapers, books and the colloquial language. Fifty-six books were included in the sample. In the selection process, account was made…

Developed as a vehicle of communication for the Reading Recovery Council of North America, this journal represents an international effort to connect researchers, teachers, and all those interested in early literacy. Articles in the first issue of this fourth volume are: "The Development of Literate Potential in Literature-Based and…

Coral Way Elementary School (Florida), the nation's oldest 20th-century public bilingual school, is recognized as a model for bilingual education. Its curriculum promotes enrichment and language development while building on the languages students bring to school. As well as a medium for moving students to English proficiency, it is a vehicle for…

A videotape of one student, "Eric," age three years, engaged in dialogue with his teacher about a picture he has drawn, clearly demonstrates the rich language learning opportunities that language encounters on the topic of a student's art work provide for both the child and the teacher. In this encounter, Eric is able to convey affective…

Seven chapters consider what learning is and what counts as learning in the context of formal schooling. How qualitative research assists in this examination is explored. Qualitative research is an indispensable tool in the repertoire of research approaches that will illuminate learning discourse. (SLD)

This special issue explores the relationship between education and empowerment and considers whether it still is valid to assume that school provides the key for people in the lower social strata in America to achieve material well being. Taken together, the essays, poetry, and studies of this issue explore the experience of social marginality in…