Assesses how discrimination and biculturalism have affected the Chicanos' ability to communicate bilingually in a monolingual society. Using a historical perspective, the sociocultural significance of Chicano bilingualism is discussed in terms of code switching, language dominance, and cultural values. (JAC)

An experimental program involving kindergarten children and parents in an evening Spanish course was successful and enthusiastically received. Problems encountered included differing learning styles, abilities, and interests between parents and children. In some cases, other family members also became involved. (MSE)

The interaction patterns of eleven Spanish-speaking preschool children in two bilingual programs were observed for one year. In predominantly English-speaking classrooms, greater English proficiency was related to English use with peers. In prevalently Spanish-speaking classes, English proficiency was more related to interaction in English with…

Results indicated that: communicative competence (CC) is distinct from linguistic competence (LC); LC in English and CC in English/Spanish are related to cognitive/academic learning proficiency and field independent learning style; and self-concept is positively related to LC in English, to CC in English/Spanish, and to academic achievement.…

Six studies investigated the use of pictorial material in a group setting to measure the cognitive level of children (age 7 to 11) on eight Piagetian concepts. Children were low to middle socioeconomic status with 60 percent Spanish surnames. Factor analysis and clinical administration supported test validity. (Author/CTM)

The study examined the perceptions of Chicano, White, Black, and Asian high school students. It found that Chicano students cared about school, saw a close link between schooling and occupational futures, believed their parents considered education important, were not alienated from school, and were the second lowest group in academic effort and…

A study of Spanish-speaking elementary school students enrolled in an English as a second language program revealed a significant relationship between pupil placement status and subsequent student achievement. Methods and findings relevant to identifying schooling effects and linking these to school practices, and study of bilingual programs are…

Projects in which university students of Spanish develop their language skills by serving as tutors to Spanish-speaking students in elementary and junior high schools are described. The university students develop and teach mini-courses in Spanish in their disciplines and offer health, nutrition, and consumer information courses to the community.…

Analyzes the negative perception of Hispanics held by most Anglos and its impact on Spanish teachers' and students' motivation. Discusses means to improve teaching, diversify programs, and outgrow inferiority complexes through public relations resources and cultural awareness. (MES)

After considering the linguistic, social, pedagogical and administrative rationale for using Spanish or native languages, particularly Quechua, as the educational medium, the author proposes a national system of bilingual schooling to be conducted in Spanish above the primary levels, but with continued native language course offerings. (SJL)

Outlines a second language program that, over a period of three years, exposes the student to three languages and several teachers and stresses communicative competence. (AM)

In this interview, a tutor in a correctional reading program, himself a former drug addict and jail prisoner, describes his childhood failures in reading, the public shool's failure to help him and other Spanish-speaking students, his eventual reading success in the jail reading program, and factors that account for the program's success. (GT)

Describes the history and phrasing of questions related to English language proficiency on U.S. censuses since 1890 and details the changing definition of language minorities. Describes and relates the Children's English and Services Study and the 1976 Survey of Income and Education to language-related questions on the 1980 census. (SB)

Describes the goals, discussion areas, and conclusions of a June, 1979 conference on being Hispanic and disabled, which was sponsored in part by Partners of the Americas, a private organization fostering international cultural exchange. A task force was elected to examine and lobby for the needs of disabled Hispanics. (SB)

Current and aspiring teachers of college Spanish need an awareness of how and why the language and dialects are used in real-life contexts, and to understand the value of the variations as well as that of standard usage. Training of teaching assistants and language teachers should include basic notions of sociolinguistics, including the functions…