Today, language-minority students comprise one of the fastest-growing segments of the total student population in America, a culturally and linguistically diverse group. A large number of bilingual students fall into the at-risk category because their cultural and linguistic backgrounds put them at a disadvantage in the American educational system…

This publication presents a data collection system useful in measuring the success of vocational programs for special needs populations as well as current descriptive/demographic information on special needs populations nationwide. The first of four chapters provides a general characterization of special populations and specific definitions for…

This report on the use of the Spanish language in the United States discusses the Spanish-speaking population, the language itself, and bilingual education in the United States. The background about the Spanish-speaking population includes the following topics: (1) "A Nations of Immigrants," (2) "The Population of the…

This study explored the extent of measurable differences in performance on Piagetian tasks among six year olds who are exposed to one or two languages. Subjects (N=120) were divided into four groups: (1) native English-speaking Anglo-Americans who live in the United States; (2) native Japanese-speaking Japanese who live in Japan; (3) native…

Bilingual education is defined here as instruction in two languages, one of which is English as a second language, and the other the native language of the pupils. Bilingual education is also noted to include a cultural component whereby students are taught about the history and culture of their own civilization as well as those of their adopted…

Recent developments and trends in the field of native language instruction among language minority groups in Britain and the United States support the growing attitude that a multicultural curriculum reflecting children's cultural experiences is appropriate, and the development of multilingual materials and classroom strategies has taken priority.…

Use of the Cognitive Skills Inventory (CSI) in cross-cultural studies was investigated by comparing responses of 348 English-speaking, 142 bilingual Puerto Rican, and 109 monolingual Spanish college students. Analyses illustrate a stable and reliable factor structure across cultures for the CSI and its Spanish translation. (SLD)

The authors state that one key to successfully working with English language learners (ELLs) is to view them as a resource in the classroom since these students can offer information and perspectives about other countries and cultures. Additionally, many researchers support the use of scaffolding strategies to help ELLs organize their thoughts in…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine characteristics of academically successful Hispanic students. Despite repeated failures and early academic difficulties, some Hispanic students continue to fight through their adversity. Some children have a positive attitude toward school although there are monumental barriers for these at-risk…

The 12 articles in this book present diverse views of bilingual and multicultural education. Three sections contain chapters on the following topics: theoretical and philosophical views; policy, administration, and teacher training; and bilingual and special education. The three chapters in section one are: "Problems in the Study of Second…

Explains how bilingual education programs and monolingual institutions with remedial English as a Second Language programs share the goal of acculturation. Describes resistance and opposition to bilingual education, as well as its goals, advantages, approaches, teachers, and problems. (SB)