This digest discusses a project conducted in the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, that sought to integrate effective practices in literacy education, an empirically based cooperative learning model, and a classroom management model to help teachers develop the English and Spanish language proficiency of their students. The…

This ERIC digest examines the Spanish-speaking group in the United States, its growth through net immigration and natural increase, and its eventual decline as speakers shift to English. The Hispanic population is growing rapidly, but data suggest that U.S. Hispanics do learn and speak English. Research predicts that by the year 2001 the…

This digest examines criticism of bilingual education and its effect on public opinion, discusses the rationale underlying good bilingual education programs, and summarizes research findings that reveal programs' effectiveness. Quality bilingual education provides students with knowledge and literacy in their first language, which indirectly but…

This digest describes a model curriculum for children from language minority groups, called the "Optimal Learning Environment Curriculum--A Resource for Teachers of Spanish Speaking Children in Learning Handicapped Programs." This bilingual special education class model is governed by the following principles: (1) take into account the…

Documents and articles on second language testing that were included in the ERIC data base from 1966 through 1979 are covered in this bibliography. Each of the approximately 1600 entries is identical to a document resume that appeared in "Resources in Education" or "Current Index to Journal in Education" during that period. The bibliography is…

This ERIC digest considers three important issues for educators of bilingual students, specifically Spanish-American children. First, it articulates the ongoing debate about which language to use for instruction. Second, it examines myths about the negative effects of bilingualism. And finally, it presents supporting evidence and suggestions for…

In an effort to assess the educational needs of bilingual/bicultural Americans and the extent to which community colleges are meeting these needs, this essay cites numerous studies that have focused on various aspects of the issue of bilingual/bicultural education. First, the review refers to studies acknowledging the benefits of bilingual…

This packet contains six briefs developed specifically for Spanish-speaking Latino parents, and English translations of the briefs. These briefs state what researchers and practitioners have learned about various ways parents can help their children do well in school. Earlier editions of brief articles for parents have been used in various ways by…

Exceptional Mexican American students face difficulties not experienced by their Anglo counterparts because the educational system is not set up to deal with members of ethnic and cultural minorities. Spanish-speaking students face the problem of gaining competence in their first language while learning English as a second language. Standard…

This collection of papers examines contemporary issues and problems in bilingual special education. The first paper, by Lizette A. Cantres, discusses Federal and State laws and regulations related to bilingual special education, with respect to litigation in the case of "Jose P." The problems of assessment of bilingual children under a…

The directory cites 40 organizations or programs related to Mexican American education. Entries are based on responses to surveys conducted in the fall of 1985 and spring of 1986. The entries are listed alphabetically by state within national, state, and university categories. Each entry includes a brief description of the organization/program…

This book includes 20 chapters that provide background on the historical and current context of U.S.-Mexico relations and education in Mexico, examine existing binational educational and health programs, and describe effective practices for teaching Mexican migrant and immigrant students and working with families from Mexico. Following a foreword…