This paper examines the growth and characteristics of the Hispanic population in Illinois and presents a case study of how a rural Illinois community and its schools are adapting to an influx of mostly Mexican immigrants. The first section discusses Mexican immigration to Illinois during the 1900s and provides racial/ethnic data on population…

A sudden increase in Hispanic migrant students in a small, rural Illinois school district necessitated pedagogical, curricular, and philosophical changes, particularly with regard to bilingual education. This experience highlighted the importance of bilingual faculty, policies and programs based on sound theory and research, faculty training in…

Changes in the social organization and context of education were studied in a rural Illinois school district experiencing a rapid influx of Hispanic students. The local meatpacking plant closed, then reopened under a new name and began an aggressive campaign to recruit immigrant and migrant workers who would work for lower wages. In the next 3…

The absence of a language policy in a rural central Illinois school district with a rapidly growing population of migrant Spanish-speaking students seriously affected the academic achievement and social inclusion of newcomer students. A case study focuses on attitudes and reactions of three teacher groups: English-only teachers, "bridge…