Literacy is one of the most fundamental processes in the life of people. It is complex enough when people develop these processes in their first language, and the nature of the task becomes even more challenging when it is developed with students in a second language within the context of a bilingual setting. Bilingual education has been based on theories and research stemming from fields such as linguistics, psychology, first and second language acquisition. The views of second language acquisition have dominated the scope of research in terms of both linguistic and cognitive aspects. However, the study of second language acquisition in current times requires a change of paradigm that involves the social and cultural views of language and literacy learning. These views include the conception of second language learners whose literacy processes are based on the ideas of identity, subjectivity, and agency. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]