This article briefly reviews the social, political, and economic context that explains the present status of elementary language education in the United States and addresses the challenges identified by recent reports on the state of language education in the United States. Different curricular models of world language education--exploratory,…

This article peers through the lens of one district's journey of World Languages program refinement, and identifies a blueprint for success by aligning targets. The author begins by proposing the following questions: (1) Is your program where you want it to be? (2) Is it producing desired results? and (3) Are students yielding the greatest results…

Using information from seven model programs that provide foreign language instruction to elementary and middle school students, this publication addresses common questions from administrators, educators, and parents who are considering establishing early foreign language programs in their communities. Questions examine the following issues:…

This historically significant booklet explores problems and practices in the teaching of foreign languages in the elementary school. Specific chapters discuss second language offerings, student age and ability, enrollment criteria, program articulation, teaching techniques, and teacher qualifications. Variations in presentation for different…

This article offers suggestions for preschool and elementary school second language programs that will help students appreciate and understand the culture of the language they are studying. It focuses on cultural differences in nonverbal communication, art appreciation, teacher training and recruitment, and research needs in the field. (11…