The guide is intended as a resource for North Carolina teachers and administrators concerning second language education. Part 1 offers a rationale for second language education, and provides specific reasons for studying French, German, Latin, Spanish, and uncommonly taught languages. Part 2 describes instructional program models for elementary and middle schools, outlines state high school graduation and academic degree requirements, describes advanced placement courses, outlines the international baccalaureate program, and provides data on language offerings of higher education institutions in the state. Part 3 examines the characteristics of effective language teaching, instructional design, and program design at each instructional level, including distance education and English-as-a-Second-Language teaching. Part 4 provides guidelines and suggestions for curriculum planning and instructional design, and part 5 discusses sources for additional information and guidance about supplementary curriculum materials. Part 6 focuses on teaching strategies and techniques for the general population and for early adolescents, students with disabilities, and multi-level classes. The final section lists additional organizational and information sources, including professional organizations, publishers, Internet addresses, international exchange and travel resources, and technology resources. Includes a 48-item bibliography. (MSE)