In response to the growth of Spanish heritage language (SHL) learners in the United States, researchers and instructors in the field of SHL teaching proposed a set of goals and pedagogical approaches to meet these learners' needs. However, because few studies focused on SHL teachers' professional preparation and practice, it is unclear whether…

The current study examines the attitudes of heritage language learners (HLLs) and second language learners (SLLs) about their classroom language learning experiences and language learning in general, using data from high school students who participated in STARTALK summer language study programs in 2014 and 2015. Analysis of students' responses to…

This article explores some of the distinctive challenges in Chinese language education in schools and discusses how the development of the "Australian Curriculum: Chinese" has responded to these challenges. It details how the curriculum framework outlined in the "Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Languages" (ACARA, 2011)…

Over the past four decades, scholars have debated the pedagogical and sociolinguistic needs of heritage language learners. It is widely accepted that these learners present several characteristics that are different from those of foreign (or non-heritage) language learners. However, scholars have also pointed to similarities between the two groups…

While heritage language learners are becoming visible in the research literature as a distinct group of language learners with specific needs, existing curriculum structures in secondary schools often focus on programs either for foreign language learners or for first language learners. The study reported here examines the experiences of heritage…

This article reports the results of an investigation into current Spanish heritage language (SHL) course offerings and their content in 4-year public and private universities in the American Southwest. Prior research has indicated that the number of language departments in the United States offering SHL courses remains small (18 and 17.8%,…

The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the design and piloting of a branched, online placement and credit examination that measures receptive as well as productive and creative language abilities in the heritage language of college students entering the Spanish for Heritage Learners Program at the University of Houston, a major…

Literature on current methods of teaching language in bilingual education is reviewed and a new approach is suggested. It is suggested that a specialized sequence of native language courses should be offered to populations of language minority students with the same vernacular language. The approach proposed integrates bilingual education, English…

In a response to an article on second-language (L2) composition instruction, it is argued that the disciplines of first-language (L1) and L2 writing instruction are different, the students come with different backgrounds, the teachers are products of disparate disciplines, and each can and should learn from the other. (25 references) (MSE)

The author of an article on the relationship between first-language (L1) and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing instruction comments on a response to that article. Focus is on the integration of L1 and ESL instruction at the university level and on the conditions under which college writing teachers work. (MSE)

Foreign students in American universities need to attain proficiency in English as a Second Language (ESL) as well as knowledge of American cultural and economic life in order to pursue further training in other fields of study. An examination of the needs of foreign students who are deficient in English language skills indicates that a…

A study and associated development work concerning bilingual elementary and secondary students in British schools is reported. The study was designed to examine the progress and needs of bilingual students in several schools in the Southampton (England) area. It arose from concern about possible marginalization of minority language students in the…

This guide is designed for Alberta (Canada) parents of French immersion students beginning formal English language instruction for the first time. In question-and-answer format, it discusses issues commonly of concern to these parents. Issues addressed include the following: why English instruction is introduced in the second or third year of…

This handbook is designed to help Alberta (Canada) elementary school administrators facilitate efficient and successful experiences for French immersion students receiving formal English language instruction for the first time. In question-and-answer format, it discusses briefly the following issues: what administrators need to know about students…

The purpose of this book is to stimulate ideas leading to a sharing of approaches, strategies, and methodologies applicable to the education of Puerto Ricans. Following introductory material, 18 papers are presented, the first 10 of which are in Spanish. Titles and authors are: (1) "El maestro que Puerto Rico necesita," Leonides Santos…