The legislative mandate for bilingual education in Illinois was analyzed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the mandate. Questions were addressed concerning the desired outcome of the mandate, the actual outcomes, and potential alternatives for bringing about the desired outcome. The history of the mandate for bilingual education and…

Identifies some constitutional, statutory, and case law that has affected bilingual education in the federal courts and the state courts and legislatures. Discusses ideas about public policy within the context of the current status of bilingual education, and suggests ways to improve policy and make better informed decisions. (JB)