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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)
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