This article briefly reviews the social, political, and economic context that explains the present status of elementary language education in the United States and addresses the challenges identified by recent reports on the state of language education in the United States. Different curricular models of world language education--exploratory,…

This article peers through the lens of one district's journey of World Languages program refinement, and identifies a blueprint for success by aligning targets. The author begins by proposing the following questions: (1) Is your program where you want it to be? (2) Is it producing desired results? and (3) Are students yielding the greatest results…

Certain aspects of the implementation of language immersion programs in Delaware are unique given the state's size, demographics, and role in national education initiatives including Race to the Top, Common Core, and Smarter Balance. The Delaware experience typifies what every state, district, or even school goes through as they try to provide…

There has been a significant increase in new foreign language programs at the elementary school level in recent years. Many of these programs, often referred to as foreign language in the elementary school or FLES programs, have been implemented to comply with state mandates, while others have been developed in response to parental pressure for…

This digest provides useful information on starting an elementary school foreign language (FLES) program. Individual sections address the following: (1) cautions in planning a FLES program; (2) initiating the planning process; (3) designing the program, with special attention given to scheduling and language choice; (4) programs that lead to high…

This digest describes the implementation of a successful district-wide elementary school foreign language (FLES) program that resulted from the superintendent's vision to have all students in the district study a common foreign language throughout their schooling. This vision was based on the superintendent's belief that American secondary school…

Fourteen French courses designed for use in the elementary school are described in this annotated list of instructional materials. A general summary of course contents is followed by reference to specific components, including printed, visual, and recorded materials. Bibliographic information and publishers' addresses are cited. (RL)

Through a review of recent studies on the subject, it becomes clear that the focus of innovation in language teaching has been largely concerned with technological change rather than adoption of new pedagogical procedures. Furthermore, the assumptions behind innovation efforts need to be challenged to determine whose interests are being served.…

An introduction provides a brief history of foreign language study in the primary school in various countries and a brief examination of the different attitudes toward early foreign language study. The body of the article presents a case for foreign language study in the primary school on the grounds of sociopolitical developments, trends in…

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…

Describes the systematic planning and subsequent implementation and evaluation of a systemwide Spanish program at the elementary level in a small school district in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discusses active participation by all senior administrators, the ways in which the language program has been incorporated into the overall curriculum…

This program and teaching guide describes the nature of foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES). Chapters include discussion of: (1) program development and organization; (2) the FLES teacher; (3) methods, motivation, and instructional materials; (4) culture; (5) program evaluation; (6) outline of recommended structures; and…

This pamphlet outlines the educational philosophy behind foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES) and organizational procedures for the establishment of such programs. Major sections explain: (1) the nature of FLES, (2) program planning, (3) student eligibility, (4) teacher preparation, and (5) program articulation. A chart of…

This historically significant booklet explores problems and practices in the teaching of foreign languages in the elementary school. Specific chapters discuss second language offerings, student age and ability, enrollment criteria, program articulation, teaching techniques, and teacher qualifications. Variations in presentation for different…

This resource book addresses many of the factors involved in establishing and maintaining an elementary school foreign language program. Chapter 1 provides information on various program models. Chapter 2 addresses program issues, such as establishing a program rationale and choosing the language or languages to be taught, in order to provide…