Debate over use of Ebonics (Black English dialect) as a language of instruction in public elementary/secondary schools is outlined, with attention given to the controversial decision of the Oakland (California) school district to adopt Ebonics to help improve student learning. The evolution and political history of Ebonics are chronicled, and…

Reviews the findings of L. Koch and A. Gross (1997) and suggests that the positive perceptions of black children toward Black English reflect the dominant linguistic standard within their peer groups. Retention of the Black English vernacular is advocated because it is an expressively rich form of communication. (SLD)

Describes the outcomes of a pilot project which was designed to predate an expanded Concentrated Language Encounter (CLE) literacy development program in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Discusses lessons learned from this pilot program. Highlights the value of pilot programs in general. (PM)

Discusses and dispels four myths about second-language education. Shows that ample evidence favors bilingualism, bilingual education, and literacy in children's native languages as the means to help children grow academically. Offers "best practices" recommendations regarding program, methods, materials, and parental involvement. (SR)

Reports on aspects of an ethnographic study carried out in six newly integrated schools in post-aparthied South Africa. Presents evidence that these schools are sites of struggle between competing discourses that construct, maintain, and change social identities in these communities and the wider society. (Author/VWL)

Determined language proficiency among multilingual Indo-Fijian primary school children who have the languages, Fiji-Hindi, Standard Hindi, Urdu, English, Fijian, and Fijian English in their speech repertoire. Identifies the variables that affect multilingual proficiency in this group and determines whether classroom practice reflects educational…

A teacher of deaf children responds to a treatise recommending expanded use of American Sign Language (ASL) in deaf education by addressing the immediate problems that parents, teachers, school authorities, and linguists will need to carefully consider in implementing an ASL-based bilingual approach to educating young children. (CB)

Describes a study in which second language students of French and students of English as a Second Language enrolled in a special introductory psychology course in their second language in a special, sheltered class. Students successfully mastered the subject matter and measurably improved their second language proficiency. (Author/CB)

Traces the parallel histories of cultural and language preservation in the minority regions of Catalonia (Spain) and Ukraine (former Soviet Union) during the twentieth century. Discusses large societal changes, national government policies about language of instruction, bilingual education, the comparative status of Catalan and Ukrainian, and…

Describes recent developments in heritage language education in British Columbia, Canada, discussing issues a heritage language advisory committee encountered in creating such policy, defining heritage language and the clientele for heritage language education, reviewing appropriate curricula, encouraging program development, and arranging…

In a Norwegian study of fifth grade linguistic minority (LM) children's comprehension of the language of instruction, it was found that some LM children still have serious comprehension problems in spite of being born and schooled in Norway. Teachers correctly expected the LM children to comprehend less than their Norwegian classmates. (33…

Reviews recent educational changes and issues in six republics of the former Soviet Union, including controversies over language of instruction, revision of curriculum and textbooks to eliminate Marxism and emphasize national history and culture, reappearance of religious schools and instruction, and criticisms of teacher education and teaching…

The role of teacher-talk in Botswana primary schools is discussed in view of evidence that pupils' contributions are outweighed by those of their teachers. The development of a genuinely bilingual model of education is advocated in which both teachers and pupils make full use of their linguistic resources. (17 references) (Author/LB)

Describes the development of regulations to implement Prince Edward Island legislation guaranteeing the rights of the francophone community to French first-language instruction and participation in program development and administration. Discusses difficulties in devising an administrative scheme acceptable to both French and English communities.…

Describes a bilingual program where bilingual students and students taught in English are integrated socially and academically. The program fosters strong bonds between monolingual and bilingual students and teachers, acceptance of individuals regardless of ethnicity, development of English without loss of the native language, and better ties with…