This book introduces the latest theories about second-language acquisition and tested teaching approaches and practices for use in elementary schools. It is intended for all educators interested in adapting their skills to help recently-arrived immigrants, students born in Canada, and students for whom a lack of English skills may be delaying…

This curriculum guide is designed for use by teachers of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students. The first section of the guide describes the aim of the curriculum, the mission of the Cincinnati Public Schools, the adult basic education program's philosophy with regard to the teaching of LEP students, typical characteristics of this student…

The Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) test is a measure of ability in understanding spoken and written English. It is designed for use with students entering grades 7 through 12 whose native language is other than English. Previously offered on a limited basis at test centers established by the Educational Testing Service, the SLEP is now…

This handbook provides guidelines and practical ideas for community volunteer teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) as they prepare to teach. It addresses common classroom issues and offers instructional approaches and techniques based on established principles of language learning. Chapter topics include the following: cross-cultural…

Issues 2-4 of this volume of the newsletter concerning foreign language instruction in elementary schools (FLES) contain articles on theory, classroom practice, instructional materials, class activities, and professional news, including conferences and information on public policy at the federal level. Articles in these issues include the…

A variety of classroom techniques for second language vocabulary learning are described, based on the principle that different approaches work with different students under varying conditions. The techniques include: rote rehearsal; the use of visual aids, including items that are acted out by students for the benefit of the class; role-playing;…

This report of a British government task force investigates the educational and policy needs for public school native language instruction for ethnic minority groups in the United Kingdom. An introductory section examines the educational policy context, rationale for minority language instruction, needs assessment and recommendations for action,…

This paper deals with strategies for developing literacy skills in nonnative speakers of English. Discussed in the initial section of the paper are four different categories of English-as-a-second-language (ESL) adults and the basic philosophy that underlies the teaching of literacy skills to adults at all levels of literacy. The special needs of…

A small college in Iowa (Westmar College) undertook an experimental program to determine an experimental program to determine reading skills of underprepared students. Subjects were 20 students reading below the 12th grade level, of whom 9 were chosen randomly and offered a beginning German course instead of remedial reading. All elected to take…

This study describes the reading and test-taking strategies that test takers used in the Reading section of the LanguEdge courseware (ETS, 2002a). These materials were developed to familiarize prospective respondents with the new TOEFL®. The investigation focused on strategies used to respond to more traditional single selection multiple-choice…

This study explores the utility of analytic scoring for the TOEFL® Academic Speaking Test (TAST) in providing useful and reliable diagnostic information in three aspects of candidates' performance: delivery, language use, and topic development. G studies were used to investigate the dependability of the analytic scores, the distinctness of the…

A statement of national policy on languages for Australia, submitted for government consideration in response to official concern, is presented. It begins with an introductory section on the importance of language, and then provides a rationale for national language policy formulation in Australia's varied language context. A section on policy…

Selected papers presented at a conference on the contributions of and to the new immigrants in North America include: "Realizing the Dream" (Len Fox); "From Gattegno to Freire: Musings on a Decade Gone By" (James A. Lydon); "The New Immigrants" (Doris W. Koo); "Haitian Immigrants in the U.S.: Migration and…

The Computer Writing Skills for Limited English Proficient Students (Project COMPUGRAFIA.LEP), bilingual special education classes totalling 375 Spanish-speaking students at 10 elementary schools in the Bronx, is evaluated. The project proposed to assist site teachers in developing appropriate lesson plans and effective teaching techniques and…

The development and validation of a test of listening comprehension for English as a second language at the Dutch National Institute for Educational Measurement (Cito) is described. The test uses two distinct item formats: true-false items and modified cloze items with two options. Both item formats were found to measure foreign language listening…