The essays in this monograph are concerned with ways to build on the linguistic diversity found in the schools, turning to educational advantage the characteristics of the multicultural classroom. The following essays are included: (1) "Recent Trends in Bilingual Education" by V. John-Steiner and M. Cooper; (2) "Code-Switching in…

In spite of increasing ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity, educational reform efforts continue to target mainstream English-speaking U.S. public. The educational plans of the America 2000 initiative are no exception. This theme issue provides examples of classroom-based research in which educators try to improve literacy education for…

This paper examines the progressive education movement and its effect on American Indian education. Progressive education became popular during the late 19th century during the period when American Indian children were being enrolled in Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools. John Dewey, who is considered the father of progressive education,…

This report investigates low academic achievement and high dropout rates among Hispanic female students in San Diego (California) City Schools. The study examines factors contributing to the academic success of high achieving Hispanic female students and looks at causes of lower achievement among other Hispanic females. It also identifies…

The El Paso (Texas) Independent School District's district-wide program in majority-language (English) immersion is examined to determine the source of its success. The program's similarities to and differences from the Canadian immersion model are explored. The program's superior results in comparison with the same district's transitional…

Problems related to the self-concept of the bilingual child and a variety of solutions to the problems are the subject of this paper. An introductory section briefly examines the nature of the self, the role of significant others in self development, the relationship between self-concept and school achievement, and teacher attitudes and self…

Although both desegregation and bilingual education ideally aim at the goal of equal and equitable educational opportunities for minority youngsters, the initial impetus of bilingual education differs distinctly from desegregation in that the bilingual approach requires separate special treatment. The degree of divergence between desegregation and…

A review of research literature on whether Spanish bilingual, bicultural programs enhance self-concept and whether any relationship exists between enhanced self-concept and improved academic achievement also describes research problems and potential solutions. Theories of importance of self-concept as a determinant of achievement, particularly…

This paper analyzes the demographic, sociolinguistic, and educational status of Basque in the whole of the Basque country: the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC), Navarre in Spain, and the Northern Basque Country in France. It also discusses English as a third language within the bilingual educational system in the BAC. In terms of demography, 22%…

Argues that the theoretical consensus on second language learning, which focuses on instruction in the target language, contradicts the main premises used by bilingual education advocates to gain respectability for bilingual education programs. The roles of translation, transfer, input, and interaction in the Eastman model of bilingual education,…

The article addresses the demographic circumstances of student diversity, which have grown significantly in American schools in recent years and have posed a challenge for school reform. The article examines the emerging knowledge base and discusses federal education reform policy changes related to student cultural and linguistic diversity. (SM)

The value of transitional bilingual education (TBE) is discussed in the context of two competing theories of second language learning: (1) first language (L1) knowledge facilitates second language (L2) learning, and (2) the best way to learn English is to maximize time spent using it. First, the facilitation theory is examined in light of recent…

This brief reviews and analyzes issues surrounding public school financing, particularly for Latino communities and elementary school and secondary school education. A review of the current legal debate notes that there have been legal challenges to school financing since 1967, and that rulings have indicated that government has a responsibility…

Three major studies on English and native language use in the classrooms of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students are reviewed for the insights they provide on effective teaching practices and special services for this population. The bilingual education profession misunderstands and misuses what the literature says about instruction for LEP…

Focusing on the Hispanic deaf child, the book begins with an overview which briefly discusses the history, litigation, legislation, and recent trends in bilingual and special education, and the issues regarding minority hearing-impaired children. Next, the status of Hispanics in special education is discussed, followed by reports of a 1979-80…