This study examines a Chinese language programme in an Ivy League institution through the lens of Tracking to re-conceptualise the achievement gap between Chinese heritage language learners (CHLLs) and non-heritage language learners. Like most prestigious universities in the U.S., Chinese language learners in this case study are put on one of two…

Little research currently examines language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) in states with a more recent growth of the Latino English learner population. To meet this need, the authors examined the content each of the state LIEPs, focusing chiefly on the extent to which the types of language support, as well as the stipulations associated…

Represents a comparative analysis of the instructional policies for heritage language programs in Ontario and Quebec. It is concluded that the differences in the programs reflect a distinct difference between the two provinces with relation to interethnic relations. (VWL)

This paper draws on data from a longitudinal comparative study of languages policy in New Zealand and Victoria, Australia, to explore the nature of school programs in languages other than English. After describing some theoretical considerations that underlie the main study, the paper presents two hypotheses that might explain the situation of…

A comparison of core French curriculum guides for Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick reveals emerging trends in objectives, program structure, and methodology and a sense of consensus on French language instruction curriculum guide content. Findings may be of special interest in light of the proposed framework for a national…

A study compared immersion and nonimmersion learning environments, as perceived by students, in 95 New Brunswick grade 6, 7, and 9 classes. In grade 6, no significant differences in perception were found; in grade 7, immersion students see their environment more positively; and in grade 9, the differences seem to disappear. (25 references)…

This article suggests that the terms "bilingual education, multicultural education, bilingual instruction, and total immersion" refer to four distinct processes, each needing to be defined more clearly. To define them, a theoretical framework is proposed based on two sets of variables. The first set integrates the anthropological model of human…

A review of 10 major studies, conducted since 1976, assessing the effectiveness of Title VII bilingual education programs suggest that bilingual education is a viable instructional program for children of limited English-speaking ability. The studies examined are: "Bilingual Education: An Appraisal of Empirical Research," Zappert and…

Distinctions are made between foreign language (FL) and second language (SL) teaching and learning. It is suggested that several major issues emerging in FL and SL education in the United States must be considered before substantive improvements can be made in the FL or SL competence of both native English speakers and those whose native language…

The core of the case for bilingual education is that the principles underlying successful bilingual education emphasize the same factors that underlie successful language acquisition in general: understanding messages and obtaining comprehensible input; using background knowledge; and the development of literacy. The importance of the first…

Results of a survey of 1,416 elementary schools and 1,349 secondary schools concerning foreign language instruction are reported. The survey sought to provide a national picture of foreign language education in public and private schools by investigating demographics, the amount of instruction provided, enrollment, specific offerings, program…

This guide outlines curriculum and performance standards for second language instruction in Wisconsin elementary and secondary schools. An introductory section describes the rationale for development of, and use of the standards for foreign language instruction and briefly discusses applications across the curriculum. A second section gives an…

The National Education Goal that calls for increased ability to communicate with other nations and understand other cultures is one of six goals established at the 1989 Education Summit between President Bush and the 50 state governors. In response to this goal, the Joint National Committee for Languages surveyed the National Council of State…

In Switzerland, bilingual education models have existed for a long time. Some schools have a bilingual tradition that reaches back to the nineteenth century, as do informal models along the French-German language border. At the same time, exchanges between language communities led to bilingual learning, and the Raetoromania is a compulsory, though…

The Nanaimo (British Columbia) school district's French immersion program is evaluated. An introductory section gives background on the evaluation, outlines the evaluation process used, and offers brief comments on its outcome. The second section describes the immersion program's history and its current status in terms of enrollment, class size,…