This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date volume on the state of bilingual education in the United States and, in particular, on effective curriculum and instructional approaches. Eugene García, a renowned authority on bilingual education, depicts the vast scope and complexity of the problem of educating English language learners. He sets forth a conceptual framework to guide educational policy and practice that reflects democratic ideals and values.

This authoritative reference:

• Provides a comprehensive review of theory, research, practice, and policy that accurately characterizes the education of bilingual students in U.S. schools.
• Presents an analysis of teachers, classrooms, schools, and communities that have successfully educated bilingual children by employing diverse instructional strategies.
• Addresses language, social, and cognitive issues as they intersect with various instructional practices.
• Identifies the characteristics of effective bilingual education programs, presenting examples of school programs that exemplify these characteristics.