Three Southeast Asian teachers, one from Vietnam, one from Cambodia, and one from Thailand, develop curriculum materials for native language instruction for students in Project LOWELL, the Lowell (MA) Public Schools transitional program for limited English speaking Asian refugee children. Their duties and the importance of them are discussed. (PS)

A bilingual education program for deaf children (ages 13-16) in American Sign Language (ASL) and English is described. Using a team-teaching approach, a deaf teacher taught social studies using ASL while a hearing teacher taught language arts using Signed English and speech. Follow-up activities are summarized and a teaching unit outlined. (VW)

Most schools use, reinforce, and enhance the dominant culture at the expense of the culture of minority students. If schools recognize the importance of language and culture, they will see benefits in minority children's academic growth, self-image and economic future. (Author/PS)

Outlines what to look for in determining whether a classroom is truly bilingual, including the following: (1) uses of languages; (2) the cultural component; (3) instructional materials; (4) parent involvement; (5) personnel; and (6) administration. (LHW)

Describes the role of social science research evidence in the development of federal and court policy on bilingual education through a review of important court decisions. Assesses the research evidence on policy alternatives for educational programs for non-English speaking students. Provides recommendations for improving educational achievement…

Criticizes the concept of structured immersion presented by Gersten and Woodward in the previous article. Points out questionable areas in the methodology and in interpretation of results in the research relating to implementation of structured immersion in Canada. (MD)

Explores the use of small group discussions and journal entries to provide a safe place for adult students of English as a second language to take the risks necessary to practice a new language. (EL)

School professionals are often dissatisfied with the current model of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) elementary education. The typical 30-45 minute pull-out session often frustrates ESL teachers because of the amount of time is inadequate. This causes frustration among the mainstream teachers because of the class time the ESL learners miss.…

Describes a bilingual education program for Finnish children in Sweden. Analyzes some of the factors influencing the school and language achievement of the Finnish pupils and compares their achievement level with other relevant student groups. (EKN)

Describes the development and first year of a bilingual resource room in an Illinois elementary school. Discusses school and community context, students, and staff. Details resource room practices and activities for each grade, K-5, as well as multigrade activities. Outlines program problems--many related to staff attitudes and communication--and…

Examines the political, demographic, and fiscal determinants for urban school district spending on bilingual education. Reports that bilingual expenditures are associated with student enrollment in bilingual education programs, the percentage of Latinos and Asian Americans on the local school board, median family income, and state/local spending.…

Discusses the author's experience as director of the Program in English as a Second Language (ESL) at Lehman College of the City University in the Bronx, New York. ESL, bilingual, and mainstream (ie., curricula that assume English proficiency) programs should be better coordinated to meet their common goal. (BJV)

Focuses on bilingual education programs in Indian schools and communities in the southwestern United States. A social-historical analysis of bilingual education policy is presented, with findings from research on bilingual education. (59 references) (CK)

Argues that bilingual (American Sign Language/English) education programs for all children with deafness, regardless of the severity of their hearing loss, may be ineffective in promoting English language literacy and access to the academic curriculum. (12 references) (MDM)

Discusses the use of English and Spanish children's literature in bilingual programs, reviewing 25 books that focus on elders teaching children, relationships between children and older adults, and children as helpers of older people. Using books that are related thematically gives children the opportunity to relate stories to their own lives and…