Results of a national survey of limited-English-proficient (LEP) student enrollment (K-12 and adult) showed that the number of students enrolled as LEP does not reflect the number of students in need of special instruction. Considerable variation was found among states in identification criteria of students as LEP and in reporting procedures. (25…

Limited English speaking elementary students were provided a structured opportunity for natural language practice with their fluent peers. Limited effect on language proficiency was found. However, the discussion emphasizes the importance of using fluent students' language input, an often ignored resource, in designing ESL programs. (MSE)

Describes a teacher training course designed to meet the differing language proficiency needs of bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language teachers, as well as the needs of teachers learning to implement content-based strategies for teaching language. (15 references) (GLR)

Reviews recent research in bilingual education and English as a second language (ESL) in an attempt to arrive at some generalization about what characterizes effective bilingual and ESL instruction. Challenges the conventional conceptualization of ESL as an isolated element within bilingual programs and offers suggestions for improving ESL teacher…

Presents the viewpoints of two teacher educators--one American and one Australian--on how institutional policies can address the needs of language minority students. One viewpoint stresses the need for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) to organize and support each other. The other emphasizes the value of constructing an…

Notes that Utah is home to many native English speakers who speak second languages as well as numerous limited-English-proficient (LEP) students who receive little attention to their language needs in the public schools. The article points out that Utah may continue to give declining educational support to its increasing LEP student population.…

Compares the events leading to the contrasting educational policies that apply to the placement of language minority students in Britain and the United States. The supportive institutional structures of these policies are examined, and the ways these differences reflect contrasting assumptions about language development and definitions of equality…

University researchers investigated how to organize teacher preparation so that competent teachers would emerge. They created partnerships with elementary and secondary schools serving nonnative English speakers. Partnerships articulated specific goals envisioned by all participants and emphasized outcomes and achievements in gauging success.…

Analysis of the length of time required for limited English proficient students (N=1,548) to become proficient in English for academic purposes while receiving instruction in English in all subject areas indicated that at least four to eight years may be required for subjects to reach national grade-level norms of native speakers. (Author/CB)

Suggests a more specific-purpose instructional model for English as a second language that is based on a quantitative and qualitative discourse analysis of videotapes of native and non-native speaking teaching assistants. (Author/CB)

The Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) provides transitional instruction for upper elementary and secondary students (at intermediate and advanced levels of English as a second language) through three components: a curriculum correlated with mainstream content subjects; academic language development activities; and learning…

Ninth grade students of limited English proficiency (SLEP) in Hawaii were studied to determine their characteristics on Hawaii Test of Essential Competencies (HSTEC), how they compare to norm on test, and degree to which performance on HSTEC can be predicted. Results indicate that SLEP students can be considered separate population within total…

Discusses professional development schools (PDSs), focusing on their use in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning. Examines the context of the PDS movement and describes a successful ESL PDS at Trent Academy, an elementary school in a low income, high crime area of Los Angeles that formed a partnership with a state university. (SM)

Describes an English as a second language (ESL) instructional model that links ESL courses with content courses to better integrate the reading, writing, and study skills required for academic success in the university setting. Results of students' evaluations of the program and follow-up on participants are discussed. (Author/CB)

Summarizes the central assumptions of the communicative language teaching model and the potential difficulties that regular classroom teachers may face in implementing it. Seven criteria for use in organizing communicative classrooms are presented, and applications of these criteria to decisions about organizing classroom interaction and the…