Dear Bob, I think your observation is right, that assessing progress and planning the next steps require a good understanding of English syntax and its acquisition. I posted the citation to the group, because that section of the article was supportive of the need for grammar instruction in ESL/EFL teacher education. And I think the EFL distinction is also relevant, that sometimes you don't have a choice whether to teach grammr grammar explicitly or implicitly--in many countries being the ESL/EFL expert implies that you know your own grammar well. I noticed in the latest ERIC bulleting that someone from MIDTESOL was involved inthe process of establishing the K-12 standards for ESL. Do you happen to know who that was? HOpe all is going well for you. I finish teaching duties by May 20 and am looking forward to the summer. JoAnne