This digest describes a model curriculum for children from language minority groups, called the "Optimal Learning Environment Curriculum--A Resource for Teachers of Spanish Speaking Children in Learning Handicapped Programs." This bilingual special education class model is governed by the following principles: (1) take into account the student's sociocultural background and its effect on oral language, reading and writing, and second language learning; (2) take into account the student's learning handicaps and how they may affect oral language, reading, writing, and second language learning; (3) follow developmental processes in literacy acquisition; (4) locate curriculum in a meaningful context where the communicative purpose is clear and authentic; (5) connect curriculum with the students' personal experiences; (6) incorporate children's literature into reading, writing, and English-as-a-Second Language lessons; and (7) involve parents as active partners in the instruction of their children. (17 references) (JDD)