Foreign language teachers' demographic characteristics, in-service training needs, and attitudes toward teaching

ABSTRACT A report prepared by Jamie B. Draper (1)for the Joint National Committee/or Languages revealed that 55% of the responding state supervisors neither maintained nor had access to information of importance to foreign language teaching. Thisstudy was designed to fill part of the information gap in one of the inactive states identified by Draper. The study draws upon survey data to describe demographic characteristics and attitudes of a random sample of foreign language teachers who are affiliated with a statewide professional association. Analyses of data obtained brought into focus four problems that need to be addressed by local and state level officials held accountable for foreign language programs.