Written for K-12 educators, this e-book brings together contemporary approaches in science, STEM, and language education, with a specific focus on multilingual learners. Incorporating learnings from studies like A Framework for K-12 Science Education, "Next Generation Science Standards," and "English Learners in STEM Subjects,"…

This study draws on data collected from Chinese language textbooks to investigate the ways in which ethnic minority cultures and languages are represented in primary school textbooks in China. Drawing on the methods of thematic and comparative analysis, we specifically analyse how the representation of ethnic minorities in Chinese textbooks has…

This article describes how 16 Mozambican languages--and counting--have been brought into primary education in Mozambique through a 2002 curriculum reform, and how they are faring in light of tensions between general aspirations for dominant languages and public demand for bilingual education. Bilingual education based on learners' home languages,…

In countries where English is a second language, there has been a movement over the last 60 years from supporting indigenous languages over foreign language--English--to the present one where, with globalization and market demands, English is beginning to be seen as an indigenous language in itself. The teaching of English from Grade 1 about five…

States the reasons for introducing the study of foreign languages as early as possible in the scholastic curriculum. (CFM)

A colloquium convened at the Deutsches Haus in New York is summarized that brought together experts to discuss (1) the significance foreign languages have for other elementary school subjects, and (2) what function the other subjects serve for early foreign language learning. The following six topics, guided by session leaders, provided the…

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…

Discusses the effects of new educational policies enacted by Proposition 227 (California) and Proposition 203 (Arizona) on English Language Learners (ELLs) and their teachers. Presents a conversation among the authors on convergence of reforms, high stakes assessment, scripted reading programs, language planning and policy, effective learning…

Akron's elementary language program is designed to prepare students for a systematic study of a foreign language. Akron emphasizes language as a necessity. Learning a foreign language on the elementary level seems to make children more aware of language in general and helps them to improve their skills in English. (JN)

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)

Teams of pre-service and in-service elementary teachers attended workshops, learned technology applications, and designed curricular units that incorporated technology during staff development accomplished through a Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) U.S. Department of Education grant. Training focused on development of Units of…

Describes how to teach Spanish to elementary students in multiage classes in a way that allows high comfort and comprehensibility for the first-year students while maintaining the interest of the second-year. The model describes varied expectations that allow a two-year instructional sequence with a single Spanish teacher. (SM)

School professionals are often dissatisfied with the current model of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) elementary education. The typical 30-45 minute pull-out session often frustrates ESL teachers because of the amount of time is inadequate. This causes frustration among the mainstream teachers because of the class time the ESL learners miss.…

Presents key questions reflecting research in first/second language acquisition and whole language principles: is curriculum organized around "big" questions?; are students involved in authentic reading and writing?; are students given choices?; is content meaningful?; do students work collaboratively?; do students read, write, speak, and listen…

This book describes Structured English Immersion (SEI) for English language learners (ELLs). Seven chapters focus on the following: (1) "Identification, Assessment, and Placement" (e.g., California's school districts implement SEI and proper placement of students); (2) "Listening Skills" (e.g., time on task, total physical…