In a discussion on amplified objectives in language evaluation, this paper delineates various strands of contextual input that constitute the design of a language program. Philosophical, sociocultural, and psychological aspects are included. Amplified objectives are discussed in the context of domain-referenced language testing and program…

THE FIRST DRAFT OF THIS FLES PROGRAM REVIEW GUIDE WAS INFLUENCED BY THE LONG-ESTABLISHED GUIDE FOR REVIEW OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS. SEVERAL INFLUENTIAL SOURCES FOR THE GUIDE ARE LISTED, INCLUDING (1) PROFESSIONAL LITERATURE ON FLES, (2) STATEMENTS PUBLISHED BY STATE DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND THE UNITED STATES OFFICE OF EDUCATION,…

A discussion of the role of second language proficiency assessment in the evaluation of language programs argues that for four reasons, the use of proficiency is inappropriate as a central element in evaluation. The reasons are: (1) the construct of proficiency has not been operationalized in a way that enables it to be used usefully; (2)…

A study of the implementation and effectiveness of a unique magnet program, this first-year evaluation deals with the International Baccalaureate/Writing Academy magnet program implemented at San Diego (California) High School during the 1985-1986 school year. The first chapter points out issues and concerns of the program, while the second…

Proposes a "flexible and systematic framework" for evaluating English for specific purposes programs, including the evaluation of program aims and objectives, materials, methodology, teachers, interaction, students, improvement, and constraints. (CB)

This guide to designing an effective second language instructional program in the public schools provides parents, community leaders, and school personnel with practical guidelines for reviewing current foreign language instructional programs and for introducing changes in the curriculum that are in line with the emphasis on communication. An…

Twelve public universities in Colombia, responding to a questionnaire regarding the current status of English for specific purposes, indicated that they distinguished between general English classes for persons specializing in languages and special classes for those studying other fields through program organization, instructors, goals and…

Analyzes 15 ongoing foreign language program articulation projects that demonstrate what can be accomplished toward establishing coherent sequences, goals, and assessments. (51 references) (CK)

Information and recommendations concerning foreign language in the elementary school (FLES) center about a set of criteria for examining proposals and programs made in 1954. Included among the criteria are the importance of goals and their cooperative development, provision for the mental health of teachers and children, sound teaching-learning…

An elementary school English second language program in Caen (France) is described and evaluated. The program evolved from national policy initiatives to reintroduce modern foreign languages in the primary schools. The eventual National Experiment involved a selected number of schools in which a foreign language was to be taught. Data for this…

A foreign language curriculum is described that was designed especially for students enrolled in a master's in business education program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The program's goals are for students: (1) to attain a high-intermediate level of proficiency in speaking, listening, and reading in the target language; and…

A discussion of language proficiency in college-level African language programs begins with a review of the literature in the broader field of foreign language learning concerning notions of language competence, proficiency, and proficiency goals. This section examines linguistic competence, communicative competence, communicative syllabus design,…

Attention is focused on the 10-year (grades 3-12) Spanish sequence in the Hackensack schools. Program expenses, student test scores, and a subjective evaluation of the project's effectiveness are included. Also discussed are enrollment trends, students who discontinue studying Spanish, the transference value of language skills, and the reasons for…

Using sources such as personal observation, personal communication, and published literature, this essay identifies issues that have accounted for Foreign Languages in Elementary Schools (FLES) programs' failure to survive. Seven essential elements of a successful foreign language program in the elementary school are identified and discussed: (1)…

Proceedings of a seminar on the role of English second language (ELT) training in British technical assistance projects for economic development are presented in the form of a brief analysis of current issues and concerns to participants, a summary of the conference, and related appended materials. This conference focused on defining project…