This book discusses popular myths about educating students in a multilinguistic society. It examines the following themes: the demographics of second language learners; the theory underlying language instruction; desirable qualifications for bilingual teachers; effective teaching methods and programs; language and politics; and language and the law. By confronting common beliefs about such issues as English-only and immersion programs, basic interpersonal communication skills, and the influence of culture on language, the book reveals how schools can successfully educate students from diverse backgrounds without unintended prejudice. Six chapters include the following: (1) "Who is the Second Language Learner?"; (2) "What Educators Need to Know about Language"; (3) "Best Practices"; (4) "Teacher Qualifications"; (5) "Language Politics, Language Policy, and Schooling"; and (6) "Frequently Asked Questions about Language Teaching and Learning." (Chapters contain references.) (SM)