As a consequence of changes in federal and state policies in education, educators who believe in the value and importance of bilingualism find themselves in a contested environment where their notions of best practices for emergent bilinguals contradict those espoused in such policies. In this context, acts of advocacy that support bilingual…

Describes the development and first year of a bilingual resource room in an Illinois elementary school. Discusses school and community context, students, and staff. Details resource room practices and activities for each grade, K-5, as well as multigrade activities. Outlines program problems--many related to staff attitudes and communication--and…

Describes a self-contained bilingual primary classroom in a nonsupportive school environment. Details educational practices and activities related to social and academic English, use of both languages for instruction, development of reading and writing in English and Spanish, and home-school connections. Discusses the need for staff development in…

Personal narratives of California teachers in linguistically diverse classrooms portray four models of bilingual education: ESL, sheltered English, and peer tutors; ESL, sheltered English, and some or adequate first-language support; and bilingual education including native-language instruction. Reflects on negative teacher attitudes, hidden…

Teachers in a Spanish/English dual language elementary school in Tucson (Arizona) promote Spanish literacy using a school-designed program. The schoolwide, nonscripted program has been successful in supporting the transfer of reading skills from Spanish to English and in including special education students in dual language schooling. (Contains 33…

Describes development since 1985 of a Maori immersion school for children aged 5-17. Provides background on Maori and New Zealand history, the Waikato tribe and the community, indigenous language revitalization efforts, and national school restructuring that facilitated Maori immersion programs. Discusses the school's educational practices,…

Ten preservice bilingual teachers went to Mexican elementary and junior high schools to gain a better understanding of immigrant students' needs. They gathered data on school structure, classroom interactions and management, and educational strategies. They found that Mexican children achieve despite disadvantaged conditions, immigrant students…