Building a Program

This electronic listserv focuses on early foreign language learning and provides community support and interaction.

Ñandu continues to be an active listserv addressing current topics and issues.

To read archived messages, click here.

Sign Up For Nandu
Spanish continues to be the most common foreign language taught in elementary schools.
Read More
Strategies & Methodology

Click here for information on the latest in early language teaching methods.

Materials & Curricula

Discover a wealth of information on foreign language curricula and teaching materials.

Student Assessment

Find information on how to assess students' foreign language skills.

Building a Program

Here you will find practical advice on how to start and maintain an early foreign language program—including advocacy tips. Also, we are here to help if you have questions; just e-mail us.

Guidelines for Starting an Elementary School Foreign Language Program
In this CAL Digest, Marcia H. Rosenbusch of the National K-12 Foreign Language Resource Center at Iowa State University, provides a step-by-step guide to starting a K-8 language program.

Planning for Success
In this CAL Digest, Helena Curtain, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Carol Ann Pesola Dahlberg, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, identify some common pitfalls in FLES program planning and focus on issues that must be considered in the planning stages.

Implementing a District-Wide Foreign Language Program
This CAL Digest by G. Richard Tucker, Carnegie Mellon University, and Richard Donato, University of Pittsburgh, describes the implementation of a successful district-wide elementary school foreign language (FLES) program in the Chartiers Valley Public School District in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Maintaining a Program
Read how a teacher's monthly online newsletter keeps parents informed and interested.

Selecting a Language
This summary highlights the many issues involved when selecting the language for a foreign language program.

Proficiency Levels Needed in the Work World
This document, developed by Georgia Department of Education, demonstrates the need for an extended sequence of foreign language instruction.

Advocacy
Read about what you can do to support an early foreign language program.

 

Updated December 13, 2013