A systematic approach for assessing language competencies of bilingual students is developed. Two issues are clarified. First, the issue of examining separately the four language skills is looked at, as well as the need to consider other related factors including cognitive functions operative in language processing, affective forces, and…

Defines three previously overlooked subpopulations of English proficient students (English superior, equally limited, non-English superior) in terms of their relative proficiency in English and the home language. Presents data and clarifies assessment terms, criteria, and procedures used in relative proficiency assessment. Makes program…

The failure of educational research to fully allow for limitations in methodology when drawing conclusions is faulted. In addition to this, a failure on the part of the media--educational and other--to fully publicize these limitations is also criticized. Methodological shortcomings of the 1977-78 American Institutes of Research (AIR) study of…

An examination of measures currently used to assess degree of bilingualism in individuals looks at the problems inherent in them, ideal measures, and how to use available measures. It is suggested that definition of bilinguality is a central cause for measurement problems, since a bilingual is assumed to be the sum of two monolinguals, without…

The use of language is imperative to the intellectual development of children. Yet language minority children in all-English learning environments are forced to cope with shallow levels of learning while their future learning abilities are severely impaired. Bilingual education with native-language instruction is still the best option for children…

A guide for Franco-Ontarian educators concerned with the provision of French-language programs for English-dominant students discusses issues in program planning and development. An introductory section outlines the theoretic bases and background for the discussion. Subsequent sections focus on defining the program needs and issues (questions to…

The model shows how the essential components of a bilingual instructional setting can be interwoven with the concepts espoused in Management Engineered Teacher Education to provide a systems example that is adaptable to any classroom by the bilingual teacher. Implementation of the system begins with an assessment of the child's language…

This monograph presents language factors related to bilingualism, to assist educators to distinguish normal phenomena due to bilingualism from symptoms of a handicapping condition. The first section, called "The Nature of Bilingualism," discusses the diversity of bilingual students and their dynamic use of two languages, focusing on simultaneous…

In both diagnostic procedures and in program prescriptions, this book attempts to deal with the problem of the Hispanic child who speaks no Spanish and who, in fact, may be discouraged from learning Spanish by parents who mistakenly feel they are helping the child make a quicker transition to the dominant culture. The first three chapters present…

The lives of many families involve contact with more than one language and culture on a daily basis. This book is aimed at the many parents and professionals who feel uncertain about the best way to go about helping children gain maximum benefit from the situation. Every family's situation is different, but there is much parents can do to make…

This article examines issues in language assessment in children exposed to two languages, including arrested language development in preschool children, arrested development and language loss in school-age children, effects of educational policy (especially the devaluation of non-English languages) on bilingualism, problems in primary language…

Purpose of the handbook is to ensure a commonality of concept and practice in bilingual education for the San Ysidro School District (California). Prefaced by excerpts from the state legislation enacting bilingual education and a statement of the district's bilingual-bicultural education philosophy, the handbook delineates the membership,…

Specific guidelines for assessing the unique needs of migrant handicapped students include: identifying the student's language and cultural background, examining adaptive behavior, determining the student's medical needs, involving migrant parents, choosing appropriate assessment instruments, employing curriculum-based assessment, and establishing…

Concerns that parents might have about raising their children bilingually are addressed, and a case study of an Australian family pursuing this course over an 8-year period is presented. In addition, relevant research into bilingualism is cited. Bilingualism means having command of two languages, and bilinguals can range from the rare equilingual…

In a question-and-answer format, the guide responds to common queries about bilingualism in children. The first section poses and answers questions about family issues and bilingualism, including family communication, support of language development, cultural and social context for language development, social integration, and parent language…