This article discusses the decision of the Russian Department at the University of California at Riverside to make the development of reading comprehension the primary goal in beginning Russian courses. The changing international situation and the lack of opportunity to use the oral skills acquired in previous audiolingual Russian language…

Characterized by its establishment of desirable outcomes in language arts instruction for pupils of each grade level, K-12, this guide presents a sequentially-structured program of active student participation and flexible, individualized instruction. The first chapter lists basic concepts for language, language development, and the purposes and…

This program focuses on the elective English programs which are, in whole or in part, replacing traditional English offerings at the secondary school level. It is suggested that the newer elective English programs differ from traditional ones in at least six ways: (1) elective programs consist of a wide variety of courses; (2) students are…

Negative influences on teaching practices and objectives in modern language programs, caused by certain final examination practices in Sweden, are pointed out and criticized in this paper. The needs of the Swedish student of languages are determined to be related to the use of language primarily as a means of everyday communication. The…

The determination of Objectives conditions the choice of materials, methods, and evaluation of results in all stages of foreign language learning. The first level is a necessary foundation, but by itself is insufficient for the study of literature or for communication purposes in a new linguistic milieu. The fundamental notion of language styles…

A guide is presented for the evaluation of the bilingual programs in the Austin, Texas, Independent School District. The reasons for an evaluation and a definition of program objectives and evaluation instruments are given. The program components, objectives and evaluation instruments for each grade level (K-4) are listed. The components involved…

Guidelines intended to aid in the improvement of foreign language instruction are directed toward the development of a relevant and contemporary language program. Six major chapters discuss: (1) the place of foreign languages in the modern curriculum, (2) the program in operation, (3) treatment of skills and cultural concepts of contemporary…

These guidelines are addressed to individuals, organizations, corporations or foreign governments who are considering placing students in English Language Training (ELT) programs. They outline steps to be taken and items to be considered in first determining needs, and then selecting an ELT contractor. Part One describes the necessary procedures…

Two projects of the Ecole Normale Superieure de Saint-Cloud (CREDIF) are described and critically analyzed in this paper: the definition of a threshold level, "Niveau-seuil," in French and a learning module, "Looking for Work," intended to teach necessary written French to migrant workers. The threshold level section is a…

Phase III of a five-phase project which has implications for the improvement of instructional programs in Mississippi's elementary and secondary schools is described. In phase III, specifically stated objectives or competencies in language arts, designed to accomplish the educational objectives stated in phase II, are cataloged. Fourteen sections…

A guide developed by classroom teachers of foreign languages is presented. It is intended to be a practical tool for the teacher who wants to develop in students a set of skills which are sequentially presented. It is also directed to administrators and supervisors so that they too may participate in the development of a vital foreign language…

An informal guide to the self-evaluation of school and college foreign language programs is presented. Its purpose is to suggest guidelines to departments that have not yet developed their own full evaluative procedures. Questions relate to: (1) philosophy and goals; (2) curriculum, methods, materials, and facilities; (3) faculty training and…

This guide introduces a program of foreign language instruction intended for a wide variety of students with various interests and competencies. The program provides for a basic course, two strands (The State Diploma and the Local School Credit) and several options. During the basic course, a diagnosis is made of individual students' aptitudes and…