In recent years, the use of external proficiency-based tests to measure learners' language ability has increased significantly, in part thanks to the Seal of Biliteracy movement. However, there exists very limited research investigating the influence of such tests and their subsequent outcomes data on teachers' practices. As such, this study…

Student learning outcomes (SLO) assessment is often perceived as a burdensome, top-down process driven by institutional requirements. Recent research has thus called for discipline-specific models of SLO assessment to more deeply engage postsecondary faculty in determining what constitutes student learning within their programs. In response, this…

This article describes a pedagogical initiative that identifies opportunities for increased efficiency and functionality in the teaching and learning of Spanish in the context of the United States. At the core of this initiative is the reformulation of curricular and programmatic approaches in terms of current social, cultural, and linguistic…

This article examines four French immersion (FI) teachers' perspectives on the relationship between language and culture and on their roles as intercultural mediators in New Brunswick (NB), Canada's only officially bilingual province. Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews with the teachers. Couched in the broader framework of Canada's…

In order to prepare students to successfully engage with native speakers and members of heritage language communities both at home and abroad, educators must develop course curricula that emphasize cultural practices, products, perspectives, and comparisons as well as provide students with opportunities to directly apply the skills that they have…

Discusses the provisional proficiency guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and explores their application to two important areas of foreign language education--testing and curriculum development. Reviews the features of proficiency and achievement tests and describes two proficiency-based curriculum projects.…

Argues for giving higher priority to developing cross-cultural competence in communication. Examples are provided from Japanese, where knowledge of cross-cultural pragmatics helps a learner construct meanings. Also included are examples of two approaches to designing curricula that would create contextualized opportunities for learners to develop…

Examines the impact of the workshop in oral proficiency testing organized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and the Illinois Foreign Language Teachers Association. The workshops were designed to train college professors to administer oral interviews to rate the level of oral proficiency of foreign language speakers. (SED)

A definition and description of elementary school content-based foreign language instruction notes how it promotes natural language learning and higher-order thinking skills, and also addresses curriculum development, language objective definition, and specific applications in mathematics, science, reading and language arts, social studies, and…

The South Carolina Council on Foreign Language Placement and Curriculum, created when state colleges and universities increased foreign language study admission requirements, serves as a forum for the exchange of information and helps provide professional critique of plans to change curriculum and implement new placement tests at postsecondary…

The Arizona Elementary Foreign Language Task Force's response to a state mandate requiring foreign-language instruction in all elementary schools is described. After a review of curricular and personnel resource needs, Northern Arizona University's teacher-training model is summarized. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/LB)

A survey using the Jakobovits 'foreign language attitude questionnaire' was conducted to determine the success of 3 new foreign language programs, one using multi-level grouping and two having individualized instruction. Each of the 3 schools in the study is described and the curricula contrasted. Individualized instruction proved generally more…

Planning, Programming Budgeting System (PPBS) is advocated for foreign language instruction as a means of helping schools set objectives, determine priorities, decide on a plan of action, measure the results, evaluate, and make future decisions. (Author/RM)

Discusses three obstacles to interdisciplinary cooperation in education: (1) compartmentalization of teachers and teaching, (2) reluctance of educators to tackle the problem, and (3) difficulties in intraschool and intrasystem communication. Recommends collecting, expanding, and sharing curricular components to achieve the goal. (PMJ)

Reports on an experiment using video tape for foreign language instruction, in which the taping acted as a follow-up to other activities such as reading of interviews, viewing of slides and films and preparation of language and cultural exercises. The objectives and advantages of this approach are outlined, and excerpts of materials used are…