In their tenure as French teachers at the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois, the authors have continually sought an effective instructional model for their K-8 students. Their school is blessed to have a stable and historic French program for young learners, and each of their students is required to take French from kindergarten…

A discussion of FLES (foreign language in the elementary school, including introductory, exploratory, or immersion) looks at the challenges that need to be identified and met for successful planning and implementation. The role and importance of FLES in the 1990s is briefly reviewed, FLES program types are outlined, and FLES is examined in greater…

Emphasizes the importance of developing literacy skills in the elementary school if communicative competence is the goal of a fully articulated K-12 curriculum for Spanish. The vehicle necessary for developing these skills lies in curricular objectives that emphasize literacy and in teacher education programs that foster the growth of this…

This curriculum, designed to improve elementary school foreign language teacher training, was developed jointly by school teachers and university educators in North Carolina. It is based on the successful practices of current elementary school foreign language teachers, translated into desired teacher competencies. Introductory sections describe…

Attitudes expressed by language experts, policymakers, and educators at a conference on the implementation of a nationwide elementary school foreign language program in Italy are summarized. Issues discussed include teacher education needs, curriculum content and design, and articulation with other levels of education. (MSE)

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…

IMPROVEMENT IN TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS IS BEING IMPLEMENTED TO INSURE A CORPS OF QUALIFIED LANGUAGE TEACHERS WHO CAN MEET THE DEMANDS OF MODERN CURRICULA. NATIONAL DEFENSE EDUCATION ACT INSTITUTES, FILMS, CONSULTANTS, AND TEACHERS MANUALS ACCOMPANYING NEW MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSERVICE TEACHERS. FUTURE TEACHERS ARE BEING AIDED BY MORE…

This article describes a three-year teacher training project that aimed to improve the training of elementary school foreign language teachers at institutions of higher education. The training model paired North Carolina teacher trainers with experienced elementary school teachers who served as their mentors. (eight references) (JL)

A 1953 MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION-SPONSORED CONFERENCE OF SPECIALISTS ON TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS DREW UP A SERIES OF ANSWERS TO THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FLES. IN 1954, SPECIALISTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MET TO CRITICIZE THESE ANSWERS AND TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS IN FLES. THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS BOTH THE…

A guide for Kansas foreign language teachers contains general information about language teaching techniques, materials, and needs, and specific proficiency-based objectives for three instructional levels (novice, intermediate, and advanced). It is not language-specific and does not advocate a particular methodology, but is designed to answer…

As a result of the changes in certification procedures for foreign language teachers in Florida, a syllabus was designed that could be used by both university professors and by district level supervisors to provide preservice and inservice training for teachers of foreign languages in the elementary schools (FLES). The syllabus follows a…

Bilingual education and the teaching of foreign languages are the topics of this issue. Several columns discuss programs and services of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County. In bilingual education, the following articles are included: (1) "Regents Position Paper: Title VII Guidelines"; (2) "From SED - A…

This document consists of the three issues of "FLESNews" published during school year 1992-1993. This newsletter of the National Network for Early Language Learning contains articles on a variety of topics in elementary school second language teaching, listings of instructional materials, classroom instructional activities, and…

Foreign language study is appealing to a broader clientele today, which results in a great diversity of needs. A more personalized curriculum and instructional activities geared towards accommodating the needs and interests of the individual are needed. The cultural background of the learner is a significant factor in determining his frame of…

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…