This brochure, intended for the parents of current and prospective French immersion students, answers commonly-asked questions about immersion education, including who should participate, how good the child's French will be, whether immersion students are likely to lose ground in English or academic subjects, how parents can provide support at…

The aim of this collection is to present "state of the art" papers in language curriculum studies by writers who have been actively involved in shaping theory in the field and who, between them, have applied that theory in almost every part of the world and in a variety of contexts. Papers include the following: "A Decision-Making Framework for…

It is proposed that Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree programs integrate Japanese language instruction in order to train business people to be sensitive to cultural differences and capable of operating effectively and comfortably in Japanese environments. The discussion begins by presenting some issues concerning traditional MBA…

In order to more accurately place its intermediate English-as-a-Second-Language students in English courses, Vancouver Community College at King Edward Campus (KEC) developed the Intermediate English Reading Test (IERT). The goal was to create a test of minimum length that would yield scores with the necessary degree of reliability and validity…

This paper presents excerpts from the author's diary describing the experiences encountered while conducting the Theater Workshop Project, a project designed for enhancing the literacy of homeless mothers and children. The project's objectives and techniques are to: (1) use storytelling in the shelters as an entertaining vehicle to begin to build…

This discussion of bilingual education in the United States begins with a review of the historical and political context in which it has evolved since the late 1800s. Policy issues and some research are examined here. It then outlines the theoretical and conceptual debate, focusing on four major theoretical frameworks used to justify bilingual…

The working paper for a project on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) education examines research and policy as they relate to the ability of adult students to access ESL programs, fully participate in and benefit from them, and make the transition to other "mainstream" academic programs or meaningful employment. Studies suggest that adult…

The report describes the context for English language teaching in Ukraine, provides a case study on one intensive English program (IEP), and compares the program to an IEP in the United States. The first chapter discusses the circumstances of state-regulated and alternative English language programs, factors supporting English language teaching…

A study investigated the elementary school programs in French as a second language in Louisiana, Quebec (Canada), and New Brunswick (Canada). The objective was to learn about the programs' underlying goals and philosophies, examine the teaching materials used at this level, evaluate the teaching situation, and survey teachers for their…

The curricular framework for Maryland's elementary and secondary school second language programs is designed to assist administrators and teachers in planning, developing, and implementing language curricula. It provides a broad outline from which local systems can plan comprehensive curricula, develop a local philosophy, define local goals and…

Development and implementation of an interdisciplinary elementary and early childhood teacher education program at Baruch College (New York) was characterized by many internal and external tensions and pressures. One of the important factors which had to be considered was the ethnic diversity of both the college's and the city's student…

This paper explores enrollment for foreign language programs (FLPs) in French, Spanish, and German using data collected from students in Grades 7 through 12 in the Grand Blanc Community School District (Michigan) for the 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, and 1992-93 school years. Research questions address: (1) enrollment figures, (2) loss rates…

General issues in the development of programs for language minority children at the preschool level, ages 2-4, are discussed. Focus is on the need to meet their comprehensive needs, and the five following points are made: (1) programs should be designed to serve the child's social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development within the context…

An evaluation of Manitoba's French immersion programs at the levels of grades 3, 6, and 9 focused on program effectiveness in teaching listening comprehension and speech skills. The results for grade 9 are presented here. The first section describes the framework of the immersion curriculum and the listening and oral skills targeted in it. The…

A collection of essays and research reports addresses issues in the testing of English as a Second Language (ESL) among foreign students in United States colleges and universities. They include the following: "Overview of ESL Testing" (Ralph Pat Barrett); "English Language Testing: The View from the Admissions Office" (G. James…