The cognitive learning theories of Bruner and Gagne and the developmental psychology of Piaget play a central role in the development of curriculum models and instructional strategies to better serve the needs of bilingual children or those whose native language is not English. Each theory has components that may be useful to certain stages in…

The three parts of a theory used in the design of a language proficiency test--linguistic components, communicative skills, and the sociolinguistic domain--are described in relation to language proficiency and testing models. In line with this discussion, a review of test formats is made with some assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of…

A rationale for teaching beginning reading from a learning theory perspective that is compatible with Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development is presented in this paper. The model offered is based on a linguistic analysis and on current research. The logical thinking skills characteristic of each stage of development proposed by Piagetian…

This paper continues the work undertaken in the first monograph on the complex issue of cultural pluralism and bilingualism. It explores two changes in perspective which have occurred since the late 1960's: (1) the establishment of other or second language schools as a response to the growing importance of language as a political issue and (2) the…

Following a brief history of bilingual education (BE), the author makes a meta-evaluation assessment of BE research, arguing that the findings are not so contradictory if one examines the theoretical frameworks chosen by the researchers. The equilibrium and conflict paradigms and the structural-functional theory are considered. (SJL)

Analyzes changes that have occurred in language and culture teaching in Spain, Italy, and France in each country's specific context and discusses the scientific and pedagogical implications of each country's early bilingual education developments. (Author/CB)

A review of major federal education programs indicates that educational interest groups have played a modest role in shaping policy. Typically, these groups have ridden existing political and judicial currents to pass programs, and then have concentrated on maintaining their interests. Future roles are discussed. (PP)

Discusses the role of reading in bilingual education and proposes that teachers in bilingual classrooms be grounded in cognitive development theory and practices. Concludes that once students have mastered English communication skills they will be able to transfer their thinking abilities into the second language without major difficulty. (FL)

This paper considers the declining use of Irish (Gaelic) as a language of instruction in both Ulster and the Republic of Ireland in this century. Policy statements are analyzed. Tables list percentages of primary and secondary schools conducted in Irish, English, or bilingual modes over the decades. (SJL)

Significant because of deliberate attempts to manipulate the use of two languages in the instructional process, the role of language in the bilingual classroom has been studied from four main points of veiw, each of which is examined in terms of implications for bilingual education. (SB)

The author briefly traces the change in educational policy for foreign-speaking students from English-only in the 1930s to bilingual education today. While noting the promise of bilingual education, she points out attitudinal and administrative problems which need correction. (SJL)

Discusses the dilemmas created for teachers by the growing number of bilingual/bicultural programs, especially with respect to literacy objectives and teacher preparation. (RL)

This article summarizes the concepts discussed in a five-article clinical forum on cultural/linguistic variation and its implications for assessment and intervention in speech-language pathology. Topics discussed include a need for a paradigm shift in assessment, the socioemotional factors affecting student performance on assessments, bilingual…

Analyzes federal legislation, regulations, and litigation regarding the provision of an appropriate education for limited-English-proficient students who are also disabled. Examines the legal basis of the right to bilingual education and the requirements that educational agencies must meet. Discusses implications for school systems and educators.…

Reviews salient historical events and selected factors that reveal views on bilingualism in the United States from precolonial times to the present. Identifies patterns of attitudes toward bilingualism, and summarizes factors associated with various patterns in an effort to understand current controversy over bilingualism. Contains 42 references.…