The History of Foreign Language Education in the United States

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  • Period: to

    Late 18th Century - Late 19th Century

    Little local or federal policy regarding foreign language learning Native English speakers use private tutors to study foreign languages
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    Mid 19th Century - Suppression of Native American Languages

    Native Americans forbidden from speaking their mother tongue
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    Late 19th Century - Introduction of European Foreign Languages in Public Schools

    Large wave of German and European immigrants Public schools begin teaching in English and the languages of European immigrant groups

  • 1893 - NEA

    National Education Association creates 10 person committee to set standards for language study More effort to extend language programs into elementary and secondary schools
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    Early 20th Century - WWI and American Xenophobia

    WWI and American imperialism create an atmosphere of xenophobia Foreign language newspapers and public school foreign programs are completely eliminated Citizenship is denied to non-English speaking immigrants Mandates make English the language of schools in New Mexico
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    Mid 20th Century - WWII and the Army Language Method

    WWII begins and monolingual Americans find themselves disadvantaged and unprepared for war due to their monolingualism Army Language Method is created for adults, offers them "intensive exposure" to foreign languages

  • After WWII and Korean War - Army Language Method Used in Schools

    Army Language Method adpoted for use in schools and colleges National Defense Education Act provides federal funding for ALM in schools
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    Late 1960's - Early 1970's

    Federal funding for foreign language programs in schools declines, and so do the programs College entrance requirements for foreign languages are eliminated in some major universities Foreign language enrollment in colleges declines Elementary school foreign language programs are eliminated
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    Late 20th Century - Renewed Interest in Early Education Foreign Language Programs

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    Late 1970's - Early 1980's - Development of Foreign Language Learning Programs

    Renewed interest in meeting the language needs of US linguistic minorities Educational Testing Service and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages develop Proficiency Guidelines
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    Late 1970's - Early 1980's Pilot Programs

    Development of pilot programs to prepare teachers to work with young language learners LOCAL INITIATIVES:
    Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) program - early primary grades through high school
    Foreign Language Exploratory (FLEX) program - (upper elementary or middle school)
    Immersion

  • 1998 College and Foreign Language Requirements

    84% of all American four-year institutions do not require foreign language study for entry