(2000). "Water as Rough as an Elephant's Foot…" Learning Geography through Poetry Writing at KS2. MCT, v19 n1 p39-43 Aut. Describes how bilingual fourth and fifth graders at one London elementary school learned geography by writing poetry. This effort involved: engaging with the topic, consolidating knowledge and understanding, and extending knowledge and understanding. Children were highly motivated to learn. Poetry was the driving force behind their learning as they shared their personal experiences in a secure environment. (SM)…
(2001). "Language, Power, and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire," by Jim Cummins (2000). Book Review. Bilingual Research Journal, v25 n3 p405-12 Sum. The book reviewed presents a thorough literature review supporting the use of children's first languages in schooling. Criticisms of the book relate to the equation of fluency with academic language and the implication that academic language holds a superior position to other language registers. Discussion of transformative pedagogy fails to challenge the linguistic status quo perpetuated by the construct of academic language proficiency. (TD)…
(1999). The Value of Bilingualism in Pupils' Understanding of Scientific Language. International Journal of Science Education, v21 n10 p1037-50 Oct. Argues that, although some bilingual pupils may be at a disadvantage in understanding scientific language, there may be some circumstances where being bilingual is an advantage in understanding scientific language. Presents evidence of circumstances where being bilingual was an advantage and circumstances where it was a disadvantage in understanding scientific language. Contains 34 references. (Author/WRM)…
(1999). A Practical Project To Help Bilingual Students To Develop Their Knowledge of Science and English Language. School Science Review, v80 n292 p65-74 Mar. Describes a class project that included a literature search, observation of the Hale-Bopp comet, planning and building a model solar system, and presentation of the model in class. Finds that bilingual students in the class made significant progress in their learning of concepts and the acquisition of English as a result of completing the project. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/WRM)…
(2000). The Effects of Language of Instruction on the Reading and Writing Achievement of First-Grade Hispanic Children. Scientific Studies of Reading, v4 n4 p331-53 Oct. Finds that (1) children taught in Spanish did not differ from those taught in English on English reading and writing but were significantly stronger on Spanish reading and writing; (2) being taught literacy in Spanish contributed to performance in Spanish reading comprehension; but (3) being taught in English did not have the same positive effect on performance in English reading comprehension. (RS)…
(2004). Two-Way Immersion Bilingual Programs in Texas. Bilingual Research Journal, v28 n1 p35-54 Spr. This article summarizes the results from the first statewide study of two-way immersion (TWI) programs for English language learners. The survey was conducted electronically with 304 Texas bilingual/English as a Second Language directors in districts that serve English language learners. Data are reported for the following research question: What information can be identified about TWI programs in Texas, specifically: (a) number of districts reporting TWI programs, (b) program types, (c) grade levels served, (d) number of classrooms at each grade level, (e) languages of instruction, (f) distribution of native Spanish and native English speakers, (g) TWI program by regional educational service center, and (h) years of implementation? This article concludes with implications for further research related to TWI programs in Texas and the United States…. [Direct]
(2004). The Tyranny of Democracy: Deconstructing the Passage of Racist Propositions. Journal of Latinos and Education, v3 n2 p67-85. This article examines race-based propositions and the movidas used to garner electorate support for these initiatives, which amount to the \tyranny of the majority\ trampling on the rights of the minority as has happened so many times during our nation's history in the name of democracy. Specifically, the passage of Proposition 227 in California is analyzed for the tactics and strategies used to ensure that support for the initiative was garnered. Suggestions are made for how communities of color can work together to counter these legal and political attacks that use half-truths and propaganda to gain widespread support….
(2005). Supporting Oral Second Language Use: A Learning Experience in a First Grade German Immersion Class. Early Childhood Education Journal, v32 n6 p359-364 Jun. This article describes a learning context in which the first grade classroom teacher creates a learning community where she uses different teaching strategies to encourage children's second language use and learning. The first graders share, discuss, and learn both the second language (German) and content…. [Direct]
(1978). 1977-78 URRD Needs Assessment. Report No. 78-4. This report contains districtwide data on service priorities for the use of Urban, Rural, Racial Disadvantaged program (URRD) funds in Seattle, Washington. Information is offered describing (1) the proportion of low achieving students in reading and mathematics in each school; (2) the extent of poverty in elementary school attendance areas; (3) the number and characteristics of non-English background students served; (4) the number and location of American Indian students; and (5) districtwide dropout and suspension rates. Recommendations for improving the URRD program are provided. (Author/APM)…
(1970). Community Background Reports: Second Mesa Day School; Hopi-Mishongnovi, Shipaulovi, Shungopavy Villages and Sunlight Baptist Mission. National Study of American Indian Education, Series I, No. 12, Final Report. As part of the National Study of American Indian Education, this paper is a community and educational background report of the Hopi villages found on Second Mesa, Arizona. The report includes location and climate of the villages, village structure, population, economic factors, social and political structure, dress, transportation, and recent developments. The educational description includes the discussions of the physical plant, finance and administration, school staff, students, curriculum, new education programs, and school and community attitudes. (LS)…
(1986). The Immigrant Student Challenge. Social Education, v50 n3 p189-93 Mar. Describes ways in which schools can help immigrant children overcome refugee trauma, differences in language, culture, religion, and problems arising because of social stratification and prejudice in American society. Reviews the benefits derived by all students from successful educational practices. (JDH)…
(1986). Who Are Refugees?. Social Education, v50 n3 p194 Mar. Presents selected results from an April, 1984 public opinion survey conducted by the U. S. Committee for Refugees which revealed a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes among Americans toward refugees. Suggests classroom activities to illustrate the refugee dilemma. (JDH)…
(2002). Schooling for Diverse Children in Hungary. Childhood Education, v78 n6 p326-33. Examines the status of minority education in Hungary. Outlines key features of Hungarian education, examines status of education and schools for national minority students, and highlights the educational situation and needs of Romani (Gypsy) children. Describes two Hungarian initiatives for educating Romani children. Focuses on the importance of ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children. (KB)…
(1990). Differential Treatment in New Zealand: Reflections on Research in Minority Education. Teaching and Teacher Education, v6 n4 p291-303. Differential treatment, unequal participation of children in classroom lessons, and research documenting differential treatment of first-year Maori students are discussed. A description is given of an in-service intervention with New Zealand teachers involving changes in the setting events in which teachers and students interact around beginning literacy tasks. (IAH)…
(1990). Two Cultures, One School: St. Mary's, Alaska. Canadian Journal of Native Education, v17 n2 p54-65. Describes the successful school serving preschool-twelfth grade in St. Mary's Alaska–a small remote Yupik community. Examines the bilingual curriculum, strong community support, and the school's philosophy and goals emphasizing integration of Yupik ways and values and the educational responsibility of the community. (SV)…