The entrenched nature of affirmative action, immigration, and bilingual education programs shows that ethnic minorities as well as powerful economic interests can benefit from client politics (H. D. Graham, 2002). In recent years, ballot initiatives have pierced the cocoon of legislative support for these policies and overturned them in California…

While the number of limited English proficient (LEP) students has grown nationwide, these students' academic achievement levels have lagged significantly behind those of their language majority peers. Dropout rates among LEP students are also high. The Newcomer Program within Kentucky's Jefferson County Public Schools is a full-day transitional…

Focuses on the socio-economic, cultural, and informational needs of Hispanic Americans based on demographics taken from the 1980 census. The development of bilingual education and the role of the library in developing programs which best serve the Spanish-speaking community and its youth are also covered. A four-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Examines criticism of bilingual education programs and of the government role in such programs. Suggests that, despite negative public opinion, bilingual education provides many benefits, and that educators can utilize the bilingual experience to design programs that incorporate sound practices, provide for local financial support, and generate…

Presents results of a survey on the content, organization, staffing, participants, and perceived effectiveness of 14 bidialectal language arts programs (those that use a child's indigenous dialect in the instructional process, usually to demonstrate contrasts with standard English). Suggests that more guidelines for developing and evaluating such…

Argues that we must rethink the assumptions upon which bilingual-education programs are founded. Programs that reinforce minority-group identification should be replaced with programs that give all students a common sense of American heritage. Bilingual education undermines the American ideals of one nation under God and of a single "we the…

Tells what happened when the authors invited six eighth graders to participate in a bilingual Reading Detective Club with the goal of helping them revalue themselves and what they can do as readers. Argues that when students believe their thinking and ideas are valued beyond getting a correct answer, their self-efficacy and engagement with reading…

Examines the often-cited crucial relationship between international education and the study of languages. Argues for a balanced approach to student identity, rather than privileging native identity over foreign identity. Presents a new version of language placement in the IB Diploma Hexagon, arguing for balance there as well. (Contains 22…

Investigates whether transfer of reading and listening comprehension skills occurs in bilingual programs. Finds that reading and listening skills in the native language do transfer to reading in the second language but that general language ability is not significantly involved in the transfer of reading skills to a second language. (RS)

Examines the effects of bilingual instruction on English academic achievement of limited English proficient (LEP) students. Finds that bilingual education is an effective instructional program for LEP students. (MG)

Explores the attitudes of British secondary school teachers toward withdrawal and mainstream support as ways of helping bilingual pupils develop competence in English. Suggests that the results allow for envisaging an ideal classroom situation for teaching bilingual pupils. (KO)

Summarizes five case studies in which students were interviewed taking a Canadian citizenship course. The studies focused on why the students attended a bilingual citizenship class. The subjects' responses indicated that bilingual classes were unique and ideal places to prepare not only for citizenship hearings but also for active community…

Discusses bilingual students' backgrounds; language use and proficiency at home and school; and students' and parents' reactions to the bilingual program established for the children of Mexican immigrants. (RAE)

This article offers special educators in early childhood education with guidelines for accommodating variables such as acculturation, preferred interactive and learning behaviors, sociocultural experiences and resources, and language usage and proficiency. Four intervention models (full bilingual, dominant language bilingual, modified single…

Studies second and third grade Spanish and English native speakers' proficiency in both languages and academic achievement, following exposure to extended-length bilingual/immersion program. Considers theoretical assumptions regarding language-thought relationship. Results link bilingualism and achievement. Identifies two language-proficiency…