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…

Responds to Richard Innes's criticism of his June 2002 "Kappan" article. (PKP)

Keith Baker's claims in his November 1998 article on Structured English Immersion are based on unpublished data. There are no data showing that all-English structured immersion programs are superior to well-constructed programs that include literacy development and subject-matter teaching in the child's first language. (12 references) (MLH)

Outlines reasons for which bilingualism and bilingual education, when approached correctly, are beneficial to the future of the language, to the individual, and to society and suggests that one major improvement in bilingual education would be improved availability of English-language books for English learners. (MSE)

Discusses the comprehensible output (CO) hypothesis, which states that we acquire language when we attempt to transmit a message to a conversation partner, fail, try again, and eventually arrive at the correct form of the utterance. Examines weaknesses of the CO hypothesis in second language acquisition, suggesting that providing more…

Examines current controversies and challenges in bilingual education, reviewing the case for bilingual education and the research supporting it. Makes suggestions for improving bilingual education, which include enriching the print environment and using heritage language development. Discusses research findings on challenges to bilingual…

Critical review of the National Reading Panel report on fluency. Asserts that panel omitted or misinterpreted studies confirming the value of free reading in the classroom to improve student literacy. (Contains 24 references.) (PKP)

This book is based on a series of four lectures, presented at National Taipei University, Taiwan, which reviewed the fundamentals of second language acquisition theory, presented original research supporting the theory, offered counterarguments to criticisms, and explored new areas that appeared to have promise for progress in both theory and…

An expert on second language acquisition examines and refutes five commonly offered arguments against bilingual education: (1) it is responsible for the high Hispanic dropout rate; (2) most immigrants succeed without bilingual education; (3) the United States is the only nation that has bilingual education; (4) bilingual education failed in…

Discusses the use of a reading and listening library in foreign language programs, allowing students to freely choose nonacademic reading materials and audiotapes to promote student interest in the target language. (contains two references) (MDM)

Argues that free reading in a second language (such as English) done outside of school makes an important contribution to literacy development and academic achievement. Concludes that free reading is responsible for competence in writing style as well as other aspects of literacy. (four references) (CK)

A survey of 794 teachers from six school districts in central California found that although teachers strongly endorsed the principles of bilingual education, they indicated minimal support for actual participation by students in bilingual programs. Teachers with supplementary training in English as a Second Language and bilingual education were…

This volume is a unique contribution to the study of language policy and education for English Learners because it focuses on the decade long implementation of "English Only" in Arizona. How this policy influences teacher preparation and classroom practice is the central topic of this volume. Scholars and researchers present their latest…

Presents tips for school librarians to encourage reading based on Stephen Krashen's analysis in "The Power of Reading" of more than 200 research studies, articles, and books on reading and literacy. Highlights include the effects of reading on student achievement; recreational reading; and reading aloud. (LRW)

Provides background on and discusses the significance of Proposition 227, the California ballot initiative designed to reform the state's bilingual-education program that was approved by voters in 1998. Reactions to its approval by California voters are provided by Ron Unz, Stephen Krashen, and Mauro Mujica. (Author/VWL)