Purpose: In this clinical focus article, the authors argue for robust vocabulary instruction with emergent bilingual learners both in inclusive classroom settings and in clinical settings for emergent bilinguals with language and literacy disorders. Robust vocabulary instruction focuses on high-utility academic words that carry abstract meanings…

An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) may be evaluated either during the interview procedure (direct-method) or from a tape-made oral interaction (semi-direct method). Such variety in methods of assessment can influence test takers' scores extensively. However, it is not conclusive whether such differences are due to test format or something else.…

Foreign language teachers' organization leaders criticize the ideas and planning behind a privately-funded National Foreign Language Center, charging that: they were not adequately involved in its preparation, adult language education would be overemphasized, the funds could be used otherwise, and a tendency toward a single language education…

The following reports on the status of and prospects for foreign language teaching in the United States are included: (1) "Present Status of Foreign Language Teaching: A Northeast Conference Survey" by Peter A. Eddy; (2) "Toward an Articulated Curriculum" by Robert C. Lafayette; (3) "Competence in a Foreign Language: A Valuable Adjunct Skill in…

Events and activities directly related to the bicentennial of the French Revolution in 1989 are outlined, and literature, recordings, and films concerning the Revolution are listed. The role of the Mission du Bicentenaire is also described. (MSE)

The author addresses mathematics instruction in students' second language. Theories on the interaction of language and cognitive development, and language and mathematical thinking, as well as studies conducted with bilingual students, are presented along with their implications for teaching, texts, and curriculum development. These ideas are…

For the second language student, proficiency is a measure of what tasks can be accomplished with acquired language and how well they can be accomplished. The necessity for specification of functional proficiency arose, and resulted in the publication of guidelines by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)'s guidelines…

The recommendations and conclusions of a conference on globalizing American higher education are summarized. In the area of international studies, the recommendations focus on curriculum development, faculty incentives, administrative structure, interinstitutional linkages, and evaluation. In the area of foreign languages, it is recommended that…

Teacher-made visual aids (as opposed to the commerical variety) for adults are evaluated. These materials are put in perspective through a determination of their relationship to current theories of visual learning, design, color, and size. Reasons for their continued applicability for adult students are considered. A description of the uses of a…

Discusses teacher shortages in French language instruction areas in Canada, both core and immersion; the rationalization of programs; staffing and financial support among Alberta's tertiary education; language teacher preparation; and continuing professional development. Suggestions are made as to how a smaller university can better fulfill its…

Bloom's taxonomy suggests that the learning process moves hierarchically, from simple to complex, in both the cognitive and affective domains. Spanish curriculum typically emphasizes the cognitive over the affective domain. However, the two domains appear to be interrelated. Spanish FLES programs could be enhanced by emphasizing the learning…

The importance of faculty development programs involving coordination between institutions of higher education and elementary and secondary schools is discussed. High school language teachers often express an interest in tailoring their courses to foreign language study at the college level. Such coordination requires mutual understanding about…

The concluding conference of the Council for Cultural Cooperation's Project on Foreign Languages is summarized according to the following framework: (1) the aims, the principle themes discussed at the conference, and the general results; (2) the considerations, proposals, and needs that were identified by the conference and the working groups; (3)…

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) tested the high school populations of a number of foreign countries in English as a foreign language. The test is described and results are reported. A variety of specific findings and their implications for curriculum development in English as a foreign language are…

This overview discusses recent technological developments of importance to education. Specific products of recent developments in microelectronics are discussed, including educational television, video recordings, digital devices, text systems, and computers for instructional use. The effectiveness of high technology in improving instruction is…