ERIC Number: ED317093
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1988
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Tell Me the Name of Grant's Horse: Language Issues in the 1986 Immigration Act, March 1988.
Wrigley, Heide Spruck
The content of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act is described, its current interpretations are examined, and the implications for developing a responsible language and citizenship curriculum to conform to the legislation are discussed. Specific attention is focused on the law's requirement that illegal aliens applying for amnesty and permanent resident status must either demonstrate proficiency in English and have an understanding of United States history and government, or document satisfactory progress in a recognized course of study leading to that goal. Issues discussed include the standards for language proficiency levels, the definition of "satisfactorily pursuing a course of study," reliability and validity in testing knowledge of history and government, the potential for conflict between minimal proficiency in English and the need to express a knowledge of history and government, and the confidentiality of alien applicant information. It is concluded that educators can be instrumental in helping eligible aliens gain permanent resident status by advocating fairness in the regulations and designing appropriate curricula, looking beyond satisfying immediate requirements and offering a full spectrum of educational programs geared to helping this population gain access to all the services to which they are entitled. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)
Descriptors: Citizenship Education, Civics, Confidentiality, Curriculum Design, English (Second Language), Federal Legislation, Federal Regulation, Immigrants, Language Proficiency, Language Tests, Literacy, Public Policy, Standardized Tests, Test Reliability, Test Validity, Testing Problems
Tomas Rivera Center, 710 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711-3921
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Tomas Rivera Center, Claremont, CA.
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Immigration Reform and Control Act 1986
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A