*Second Language Instruction; Teaching Methods

The TEACH Grant--Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES) project assisted six Wisconsin elementary schools in developing and delivering unique model programs demonstrating the innovative use of a variety of technologies to support foreign language teaching and learning. The project involved a collaboration between the Wisconsin TEACH Board and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Implementation occurred over 1 year. This report addresses the structural, systematic, programmatic, instructional, and logistic characteristics of the individual project sites and provides a summative evaluation across the sites. Evaluation involved site visits, surveys, phone conferences/interviews, and emails. A key factor in increasing language was regular and frequent instruction. The language taught did not show significant differences in how students performed. A holistic, immersion approach was very effective. The presence of the classroom teacher as learner, mentor, and support person made a difference. Distance learning provided opportunities for students to learn a foreign language where there might not have otherwise been any foreign language experiences. However, the optimal learning situation involved the physical presence of a skillful, caring teacher. (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. entpling