Content area
The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of the planning and implementation process of the second language programs in the elementary schools of three school districts in North Carolina in order to determine which of these characteristics are important to create and maintain a successful second language program in the elementary school. Three questionnaires were prepared and mailed to 170 classroom teachers, 19 administrators, and 15 second language specialists in the Gate County Schools, the Catawba County Schools, and the Greensboro Public Schools between March and May, 1989.
Chapter I provided information concerning the reasons for the implementation of second language programs in the elementary schools in North Carolina. The purpose of the study, methodology, and limitations were also discussed.
Chapter II included a review of the literature related to the study of foreign languages in the elementary grades. Special emphasis was given to the history of second language programs in the elementary school in the United States and in North Carolina.
Chapter III focused on the design of the study, the populations, and the dissemination and use of the questionnaire. The guiding questions used in the study dealt with the professional backgrounds of the participants, the type of second language programs offered, the organization and planning of the program, the attitudes of the participants toward the program, and the affect of the second language program on the overall elementary curriculum.
Chapter IV reported the analysis of the data collected from the questionnaires and the results of the study. Personal comments of the participants were also included. Respondents indicated that the support of the classroom teachers, administrators, and second language specialists is crucial to any effective and successful second language program in the elementary school. They also indicated that the cooperation of the classroom teachers and second language specialists in planning the second language is important. The respondents also said that the second language specialist's class load and the length of instructional time are important considerations in the expansion of the second language program in the elementary grades.
Chapter V discussed the conclusions of the study and made recommendations for further study.