Reports that by combining a phonetic writing system with instruction in carefully selected clusters of related Chinese characters, Chinese schools can start children on productive reading at an early age with texts closer to their developed cognitive levels. (FL)

The Mexican educational system is highly centralized, with all plans, programs, textbooks, curriculum materials, and teacher training programs controlled by the Ministry of Education. Each teacher is required to follow a set program, and enforcement is assured through a corps of inspectors who are responsible for the schools. The official method…

A rationale for teaching foreign languages in Venezuelan schools is discussed. An included sociolinguistic profile of Venezuela indicates that Spanish is the sole language of internal communication needs. Other languages spoken in Venezuela serve primarily a group function among the immigrant and indigenous communities. However, the teaching of…