First Language Literacy and Second Language Learning. TEAL Occasional Papers, Vol. 2, 1978.

Individual assessment of students of English as a second language is advocated. Based on a model used by Pearson, four language assessment areas are outlined: the semantic base in a first language, the syntax of the first language, the lexical items "shared" by the two languages, and the number and complexity of the phonemic elements in the target language that are lacking in the student's first language. Additionally, literacy in the first language should be assessed. These areas of consideration are most important for students who are "under-educated." Statistics on educational levels attained by British Columbia adults and by immigrants are presented. The large numbers of under-educated speakers of English as a second language indicates the need for assessment of students in the four language areas before specific decisions are made regarding instruction. (SW)