ERIC Number: ED404871
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1997-Jan-10
Pages: 243
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Less-Commonly Taught Languages in Selected Elementary and Secondary Schools in California. Final Report.
Padilla, Amado M.; Sung, Hyekyung
The report summarizes results of an evaluative study of selected state-funded elementary and secondary school programs for less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) in California. Fourteen projects at 19 school sites received a maximum of 4 years of funding to offer instruction in Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, and Russian. The evaluation design was guided by six instructional and evaluation questions: (1) how proficiency in the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) can be assessed, considering the diversity of the languages; (2) whether students make reasonable progress in acquiring the language within a school year and across levels; (3) how motivation influences students' attainment of proficiency; (4) how parents' attitudes toward language study and their involvement influence proficiency; (5) the role of students' ethnic heritage background in language study and proficiency development; and (6) challenges and difficulties for teachers and administrators in teaching the LCTLs. Evaluation methods and criteria are outlined and results are reported, including findings from a parent and student survey. Results are analyzed by school level (elementary/high school). Appended materials include guidelines for student portfolio use, the questionnaires used, and related documentation. (MSE)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Case Studies, Chinese, Elementary Secondary Education, Ethnicity, Evaluation Criteria, Japanese, Korean, Language Proficiency, Language Skills, Learning Motivation, Mandarin Chinese, Parent Attitudes, Parent Influence, Parent Participation, Program Effectiveness, Program Evaluation, Russian, Second Language Instruction, Second Language Programs, Skill Development, Statewide Planning, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, Student Motivation, Surveys, Uncommonly Taught Languages
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento.
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A