The problem of when to begin foreign language instruction is considered. Detailed criticism is made of the conclusions of "Primary French in the Balance." An early start may be favored because of the effect on children's minds, and teaching and school improvements may solve problems of transition to advanced stages. (CHK)

A British experiment in teaching French in primary schools was evaluated from 1964-1974 by the National Foundation for Educational Research. This paper describes the experiment and the students, their progress, and results of the study. (CHK)

This article questions the validity of many conclusions of the ten-year experiment with teaching French in primary schools in England and Wales in the report, "Primary French in the Balance." Some conclusions are based on restricted opinion conflicting with report data. Parallels are drawn with the "Pennsylvania Project." (CHK)

This is a report of the findings of a longitudinal study of the immersion program in one school district through the primary grades, and a description of the British Columbia French Study, an evaluation of elementary French programs in the province. Discussion includes grade level and staffing questions. (AMH)

A study is made of students at 17 schools which in September 1971 offered a primary immersion program in French as well as the standard English language classroom. The progress of the students was examined in terms of their grade level placement over time and in terms of attrition rates. (Author/RM)

The need for assessment of the extent to which second language immersion programs develop students who have a good command of both languages is described, and a method is proposed for measuring bilingualism. A report is made of an application of this unit of measurement. (RM)

A comparison was made of an early French immersion program and an English language elementary program. Major trends resulting from the comparison are summarized. Comments and criticisms are made by three guest analysts. (RM)

A summary is given of two years of school system research comparing the effectiveness and costs of the immersion, "extended" and "core" approaches to teaching French as a second language. This research took place in two Ontario boards of education. Comments and criticisms are made by three guest analysts. (Author/RM)

Findings and conclusions of three studies are reported: (1) comparison of two variations of a French core program, (2) an enrichment program attempting to change attitudes, and (3) a comparison between an immersion program and an intensive program. Three guest analysts comment and criticize. (Author/RM)

A national experiment in foreign-language teaching carried out in selected primary schools in England and Wales is discussed. The experiment was begun in 1964 with the introduction of French. The results of the 1964-74 evaluation are discussed here. (RM)

This report presents an evaluation of the Louisiana state-wide program of French instruction at the primary level for the academic year 1972-73. The aims of the program were to show that second language learning is feasible and beneficial, can fit within the educational priorities of the Louisiana school system, and is valuable for both anglophone…

A superintendent of schools shares his views on the problems of maintaining and developing foreign language programs. Reasons supporting foreign language study underscore the need for innovative programs which are socially relevant for the masses as well as for the gifted student. Discussion of the significance of communication, cultural…

THIS 3-PART RESEARCH REPORT DISCUSSES SYSTEMATICALLY THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES, ANALYZES THE PROBLEMS THAT FACE SCHOOLS, AND OFFERS SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING PROGRAMS. AFTER REVIEWING THE HISTORICAL FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NEW EMPHASIS BEING PUT ON LANGUAGES, PART ONE SUMMARIZES SUCH DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS AS THE…

Recommendations that can be instituted immediately to improve articulation of foreign language programs are outlined in this article. The suggestions cover such topics as uniform curriculum for elementary and for secondary schools, student placement in college according to language proficiency, better communication between teachers and…

This article discusses a study undertaken by the British Ministry of Education to determine the effect of offering French to a much wider age and ability range at the elementary level than had been the case in the past. The study is based on the Nuffield project, a pilot project in French instruction carried out in selected primary schools in…