THIS COMMENTARY ON AN EARLIER ARTICLE ABOUT THE DISCONTINUATION OF A 6-YEAR FLES PILOT PROGRAM (SEE "MODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL," VOLUME 50, MARCH 1966) CRITICIZES THE LACK OF CLEARLY DEFINED GOALS OR EXPECTATION OF SUCCESS WHICH CHARACTERIZED THE PROJECT. THE PLANNERS MADE NO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROGRAM AND FAILED…

Describes progress and improvement in the process of language learning and teaching. (Editor/IR)

The results of a questionnaire from 16 European countries concerning the early teaching of modern languages are presented. The 16 countries involved are: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The findings…

Based on a presentation delivered to the Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers, March 19, 1971. (DS)

DESIGNED FOR SCHOOL AUTHORITIES IN A SPECIFIC NEW JERSEY SCHOOL DISTRICT, THIS STUDY PRESENTS FACTS AND OPINIONS WHICH WILL BEAR UPON THE AREA'S DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO ADD FLES TO ITS CURRICULUM. IN FOUR OF THE CHAPTERS, THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT--(1) RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL DECISIONS, (2) RESEARCH IN TEACHING FLES, (3) THE DISTRICT'S…

This volume in a series of annual reports focuses on FLES as an integral part of the elementary school curriculum. The areas investigated in this study include ways in which FLES programs can make significant contributions in helping elementary pupils to develop necessary skills for vocational, social, and economic competence; to gain access to…

A chart of FLES program types indicating possible variations in program design due to variables in teachers, materials, time, and students focuses on the lack of a national, standardized, FLES policy. After discussing the patterns of organization of instruction, the author notes criticism often levied at FLES programs and provides sample, typical,…

The recent dissolution of many FLES programs throughout the nation is seen as a trend which is directly related to the quality of the instructional program offered. Consequently, the author lists general criteria to determine standards of excellence in FLES programs and proposes specific constraints to be observed in the development of new FLES…

An overview of foreign language instruction is seen as a spectrum composed of five distinct areas. The speech includes discussion of concepts related to the curriculum, linguistics, psychology, culture, and a "Master Plan". The author comments on the importance of understanding that language instruction, as an academic pursuit, is directly related…

Twelve articles on current and projected trends in the teaching of foreign language in elementary schools (FLES) focus on four major areas of concern. A look at the present state of FLES instruction includes articles on programs in various parts of the world, the potential of FLES, and teacher preparation. Two articles on innovations and school…

The main conditions necessary for the successful introduction of the early teaching of modern languages (ETML) are outlined. The processes that are usually involved in the introduction of ETML into a country or region are listed. Obstacles to the successful introduction of ETML and the role of European cooperation in overcoming obstacles are also…

A statement of valid, acceptable goals and optimum characteristics of foreign language in the elementary school (FLES) is embodied in a section on guidelines for the subjective evaluation of FLES programs and in a field survey evaluation form. Description of ways and means of achieving the stated goals and specifications for measurement and…