In preparation for reauthorization of federal elementary and secondary education programs, a study was undertaken to determine how schools are educating the growing limited-English-proficient (LEP) population. Issues studied include: (1) characteristics of this population, nationally and in selected districts, and the challenges faced by school…

A joint enterprise by Sanford Public Schools of Sanford, Maine, and five partners established and operated a program of literacy, math, and reasoning/problem-solving skills instruction and support services at five work sites. The business partners were Sprague Electric Company; The Baker Company; Jagger Brothers, Inc.; Greenwood Center; and…

The evolution and activities of the National Languages and Literacy Institute of Australia Limited during its first three years are described. The institute consists of a complex network of activities across Australia, including; a research and policy coordination center in Canberra; nine research and development centers specializing in various…

A review of recent literature on the whole language approach to second language teaching focuses on the value of the approach for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning. It examines research and theory dating back to 1977 on various aspects of the first- and second-language learning environment and process in children. Based on this review,…

A study investigated: (1) the average language proficiency level as determined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) attained by 271 college seniors majoring in 6 languages (Spanish, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Italian); (2) current and projected uses of the ACTFL OPI by…

This book consists of a collection of stories written by adults who attend a bilingual ESL (English as a Second Language) program co-sponsored by the Toronto Board of Education and Chinese Information and Community Services. All the writings deal with Chinese culture but the book may be used by people of diverse backgrounds and of varying levels…

These 1992 and 1993 high school and college resource guides are products of a 3-year study of reading instruction for students of the Japanese language. The larger study investigated the usefulness of teaching specific reading strategies, and development of appropriate materials for teaching them. These volumes, intended as a resource for…

This paper discusses common miscommunication problems that occur between Japanese and Americans, even when both are speaking Japanese, with a focus on high contextuality and women's position in business organizations. It also examines how these cultural differences can be addressed through the use of videotaped conversations. One of the preeminent…

An investigation of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) services for adults in the United States is reported. The goal was to examine ESL services as a national system and determine how well that system meets the needs of limited-English-proficient adults and the nation as a whole. The study had two phases: (1) review of literature, information…

All incoming students at the Defense Language Institute now participate in a 3-hour workshop to prepare students better, psychologically, for the experience of learning a foreign language in an intensive program. The workshop includes an attitude survey constructed by researchers, discussion of a questionnaire on the myths and realities of foreign…

Based on a native English-speaking teacher's perception that Chinese university students of English as a Second Language have greater skill in vocabulary than in the communication of ideas, a survey of students in one class investigated attitudes about the role of nonverbal communication in the communication process. Responses indicate a lack of…

The National Education Goal that calls for increased ability to communicate with other nations and understand other cultures is one of six goals established at the 1989 Education Summit between President Bush and the 50 state governors. In response to this goal, the Joint National Committee for Languages surveyed the National Council of State…

The National Core French Study had the objectives of defining and developing four syllabuses and assessing their applicability in Core French classes in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The four syllabuses, proposed as part of a multidimensional curriculum, include language, communicative/experiential, culture, and general language…

This monograph offers a process model developed by the Fremont Union High School District (California) for the implementation of Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) at industry sites for minority employees who have limited English proficiency and are unable to continue classes in a traditional manner. The following areas are covered:…

A tenth anniversary issue of the biannual journal of the Language Institute of Japan contains articles on teaching the four language skills, reading, and writing, speaking, listening, as well as cultural training. The articles include: "Rod City: Context and Focus for Student-Generated Language" (Robert Ruud); "Prediction as a…