This thesis, covering the years 1918-2000, is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 reviews the interwar history of non-Estonian education with particular emphasis on the diversity of the non-Estonian population, the legislation protecting the right of minority groups to mother tongue instruction, and the inclusion of Estonian language and civics courses in the curricula of non-Estonian schools. Chapter 2 examines the Soviet period with an emphasis on population shifts, the destruction of all non-Russian minority education, and the lack of attention to Estonian language in the Russian school curriculum. This chapter considers the debates over language and education in Estonia during the "glastnost" period. Chapter 3 examines the post-communist reforms in language education with particular attention to varying conceptions of integration, the need for improved Estonian-language programs in Russian schools, resistance to governmental reform, and the lack of material and human resources in Russian schools. Chapter 4 argues that the changes in Estonian-language programs stem primarily from grassroots efforts and examines experimental language-programs both within and outside the formal school system. Concludes with the findings of the thesis and issues for further research. Contains 3 maps, a figure, extensive chapter notes, and 138 sources. (BT)