This theme issue focuses on strategies to enhance learning of English as a second language and on the importance of bilingual education. In "Bilingual Education Makes the Difference in Learning," Roberto Feliz, who was born in the Dominican Republic and is now a doctor, describes how bilingual education saved him from academic failure and enabled him to become an honors student. "Conversational Insights: On Combining Literature, the Arts, and Technology for Language and Literacy Development" (Juanita Garcia, Laura Chris Green) discusses strategies for using children's literature, dramatics, art activities, word processing, and CD-ROM programs to promote second language development, bilingualism, and biliteracy. "Valued Tutors Write" (Aurelio M. Montemayor) describes the many writing activities of student tutors in a nationally recognized cross-age tutoring program, as well as the specific literacy skills developed by those activities. "Blessed with Bilingual Brains: Is It a Fact or a False Belief?" (Frank Gonzalez) discusses language acquisition by children in bilingual environments, implications for bilingual education, and the advantages of bilingualism. "Commentary: The State of Bilingual Education and the Need To Speak Out" (Maria "Cuca" Robledo Montecel) calls for bilingual teachers to be advocates of bilingual education and the rights of children to excellent education. "Why Bilingual Education Is Important to Me" features three essays by bilingual elementary school children. "The Parent Connection in Language Acquisition" (Ninta Adame-Reyna) explains how parent involvement in native-language literacy development at home can help students develop second-language (English) literacy in school, and provides tips to enhance such parental involvement. This issue also contains a book review by Pam McCollum of "Instructional Assessment: An Integrative Approach to Evaluating Student Performance" (Sandra H. Fradd, Patria L. McGee, Diane K. Wilen) and a list of additional readings on language acquisition and development. (SV)