Certain aspects of the implementation of language immersion programs in Delaware are unique given the state's size, demographics, and role in national education initiatives including Race to the Top, Common Core, and Smarter Balance. The Delaware experience typifies what every state, district, or even school goes through as they try to provide…

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:…

THE LACK OF UNIFORMITY IN TEACHING PRACTICES, COURSE CONTENT, MATERIALS, AND TEACHER PREPARATION HAS HAMPERED ACHIEVEMENT IN FLES PROGRAMS AND PRODUCED MANY UNSTABLE PROGRAMS. THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR OBJECTIVES TO BE CLEARLY DEFINED AND CRITERIA TO BE DEVELOPED FOR JUDGING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SERIOUS FLES PROGRAMS. WITH PROPERLY SEQUENCED…

The purpose of this manual, which accompanies a video program, is to provide general background information for foreign language teachers who are, or soon will be, teaching in total, partial, or two-way immersion classrooms. Part of a series of video programs, this manual highlights special considerations in the planning process that impact the…

SUGGESTIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A FLES PROGRAM (FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS) ARE GIVEN. THE GUIDE EXAMINES THE CONSIDERATIONS AND PRINCIPLES THAT ARE IMPORTANT IN PLANNING THE PROGRAM, AND DISCUSSES OBJECTIVES, BASIC ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT LANGUAGE LEARNING, RESEARCH IN FLES, AND THE ROLE OF THE FLES TEACHER. INCLUDED ARE…

There has been a significant increase in new foreign language programs at the elementary school level in recent years. Many of these programs, often referred to as foreign language in the elementary school or FLES programs, have been implemented to comply with state mandates, while others have been developed in response to parental pressure for…

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…

To provide a more permanent foundation for foreign language education in general and for extracurricular FLES programs in particular, a project was funded by the Iowa Humanities Board and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Its overall goals were to ensure positive foreign language learning experiences for elementary and secondary school…

TWO POLICY STATEMENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS BRIEF DOCUMENT. THE FIRST, PREPARED IN 1956, LISTS QUALIFICATIONS FOR FLES PROGRAMS. THE 1961 STATEMENT OUTLINES OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF FLES PROGRAMS, AND CONCENTRATES ON SEQUENCE, ARTICULATION, EXPERIMENTATION IN PROGRAMS AND METHODS, AND FLES TEACHERS. (AS)

A discussion of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) begins with a brief history of the program's emergence and status in the United States, a summary of the rationale for early language study, and descriptions of the major FLES program types. An Ohio survey of elementary school foreign language instruction is reported, and the…

This program and teaching guide describes the nature of foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES). Chapters include discussion of: (1) program development and organization; (2) the FLES teacher; (3) methods, motivation, and instructional materials; (4) culture; (5) program evaluation; (6) outline of recommended structures; and…

This pamphlet outlines the educational philosophy behind foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES) and organizational procedures for the establishment of such programs. Major sections explain: (1) the nature of FLES, (2) program planning, (3) student eligibility, (4) teacher preparation, and (5) program articulation. A chart of…

This bulletin on the teaching of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) is a comprehensive guide to curriculum planning. Major chapters include a discussion of FLES program initiation, teaching techniques and related materials, reading in FLES, correlation of FLES with other areas of the elementary curriculum, teacher preparation,…

A guide to the planning and implementation of elementary school foreign language (FLES) programs presents statements of opinion and experience in various aspects of program development by a number of experts. An introductory section outlines basic program planning considerations, and a second chapter describes the work of the American Association…

The history and organization of a community college program in French, Spanish, and German language instruction for gifted elementary school children are described. The collaborative effort of the college and school districts, funded by the Federal Government and the Gifted Students Institute, provided 21 elementary teachers with methods training…