Various interpretations of the historical forces affecting U.S. language policy and attitudes toward bilingual education are examined. Changing political, social, and economic forces, rather than any consistent ideology, have shaped the nation's responses to language diversity. U.S. language ideology has shifted with changing historical events,…

Discusses the 13 papers in this special issue on American Indian and Alaska Native language education and literacy, the object of which is to critically examine the relationship of pedagogical change to larger sociopolitical and cultural processes affecting native language, bilingual, and bicultural programs. (three references) (MDM)

Describes the O'odham language and oral tradition of the Tohono O'odham Indians of southern Arizona, relating it to the development of O'odham children's English literacy. Oral tradition and school literacy constitute opposite ends of a literacy continuum, in which English literacy is often isolated from and in conflict with O'odham literacy. (10…

Examines the recent evolution of three indigenous languages in Eastern Canada (Ojibway, Mohawk, and Inuktitut), focusing on efforts to revive and maintain indigenous languages. Discusses linguistic and cultural identity, ownership, and change in indigenous communities. (39 references) (MDM)

Examines the myths surrounding the introduction of native language instruction in American Indian communities. Despite the concerns of many parents, such instruction does not "hold back" students, and in fact empowers them to succeed in school. Parent-community involvement is essential for dispelling myths and for reinforcement of the…

Interviews with 10 Yaqui adults educated in urban Tucson schools focused on attitudes toward formal education, struggles to maintain ethnic identity in a mainstream educational environment, and Yaqui-defined factors related to school success and failure of current Yaqui students. Major themes included hidden curriculum of school, family support…

Reflects on the public debates over bilingual education since passage of the Bilingual Education Act 30 years ago. Focuses on ambivalence toward bilingual education and bilingualism, demonstrated by the failure of colleges and universities to train adequate numbers of qualified bilingual teachers and by those who value learning a…

A study interviewed 360 parents in three California school districts that did exemplary jobs in informing parents of the option of requesting a waiver from English immersion requirements of Proposition 227. Results clearly show that the best informed parents in an atmosphere of complete disclosure were those who chose a waiver and bilingual…

A survey of 106 Vietnamese parents in San Diego found that most wanted Vietnamese to be included in their children's classroom, regardless of the child's level of English proficiency. In addition, most parents agreed with the main principles that are the foundations of bilingual education. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/SV)