NEARLY ONE QUARTER (24.2 PERCENT) of California students in grades K-12 are classified as Limited English Proficient students elegible to particpate in bilingual education programs. Do bilingual education programs help students develop the English language skills they need, or, do they isolate students from their peers and trap them in a prison of underachievment? The battle lines are clearly drawn and supporters on both sides of the issue are rushing to take sides in what is shaping up to be one of the hottest political battles of 1998.

Check out the initiative and learn more about both sides' position on bilingual education.

Millionaire businessman and former gubernatorial candidate Ron Unz and his supporters say bilingual education is a dismal failure and are trying to qualify an initiative for the June 1998 California ballot that would virtually eliminate bilingual education in California.

Supporters of bilingual education say that the program is absolutely essential for the educational success of students whose native language is not English. Does bilingual education work? Participate in our poll.

Kindergarten teacher Nancy Garcia is using creative writing to empower her bilingual students to interpret and create impressions of their personal experiences.

Bilingual Resources

Check out these resources from the California Department of Education that can help you become a more successful bilingual educator.

AT&T to Underwrite Humanitas Project

The Los Angeles Educational Partnership recently received a $96,000 grant from AT&T to develop online access to museum research centers and libraries.