This memorandum discusses the need for civics and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction as a result of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986. IRCA provides an opportunity for illegal aliens to obtain legal resident status by successfully completing a test of English proficiency and a test of U.S. history and government, or…

Motivated by the introduction of a new secondary school language curriculum in Malaysia, a project was undertaken to examine its effects on classroom teaching and learning, particularly from the teacher's perspective. The portion of the project that involved training state officials to participate in a formative evaluation of the curriculum and…

A discussion of the role of second language proficiency assessment in the evaluation of language programs argues that for four reasons, the use of proficiency is inappropriate as a central element in evaluation. The reasons are: (1) the construct of proficiency has not been operationalized in a way that enables it to be used usefully; (2)…

This paper describes a project undertaken by the Free Kindergarten Association-Multicultural Resource Centre in Victoria, Australia, to develop policies, models, and strategies for establishing and maintaining bilingual programs in preschool or child care centers, either as full bilingual programs or as bilingual perspectives in other programs.…

This report calls for a major change in foreign language education in the state of Utah, moving from an instructional emphasis on the study of grammar to performance in speaking skills that can be sustained through instruction in reading, writing, and structural knowledge. This mastery curriculum will enable students to progress in language…

The standardization of second language proficiency levels for university students in Germany is discussed. Problems with the current system, in which each university has developed its own program of study and proficiency certification, are examined and a framework for development of a unified language certificate for all universities is outlined.…

This report on model learner outcomes for world languages education is divided into five sections. The first describes the values, philosophy, mission, and goals of the Minnesota State Board of Education. The second section provides an introduction to and information on the goals of world languages education. Section three presents a range of…

Public relations (PR) is a well-planned campaign of activities the purpose of which is to sell a product (such as foreign language programs) to an external audience. PR differs from publicity in that publicity is a reaction to occasional events whereas PR is a plan with identifiable objectives which extends over a period of time. In conducting a…

Materials development needs in the less commonly taught languages were surveyed in order to update an earlier conference report and set priorities for the 1980s. Questionnaires were developed for university department chairpersons, instructors, and business language programs. The survey response data are reported on (1) teaching program structure,…

The school performance of pupils in grades K-2 of the French immersion program in operation in Ottawa public schools is evaluated in comparison with that of pupils in the regular English program. (Author/RM)

Statistical evidence produced by a 4-year study of policies for educating immigrants' children in seven Western European countries, Canada and Australia shows that such children are disadvantaged under the present arrangements. This report considers how policies have been working and whether there is a case for some new directions and emphases. It…

A study of the implementation and effectiveness of a unique magnet program, this first-year evaluation deals with the International Baccalaureate/Writing Academy magnet program implemented at San Diego (California) High School during the 1985-1986 school year. The first chapter points out issues and concerns of the program, while the second…

Several sections of a regular College Writing 1 class at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania are comprised of a fairly equal number of native and nonnative speakers of English (advanced international students). This diverse writers' community engages throughout the 15-week fall semester in a workshop approach to writing development, following…

This report on the types of library projects funded by the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) Library Literacy Program indicates that, out of the 533 state and local public library proposals which were submitted, 214 libraries in 47 states received funding, and that grants ranging in size from $1,400 to $25,000 were awarded to 16 state…

While Australian policy supports cultural diversity and promotes language instruction, public attitudes and the resources available for language education are not favorable. The lack of progress may be attributed in part to the nature of decision-making processes, resulting in unbalanced and ill-conceived policy. National language policy-making…