Bilingual-Bicultural Teacher Education Program.

Overview & Synopsis

The Bilingual-Bicultural Teacher Education program at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas was developed in response to the needs of the Spanish-speaking children in Texas schools. The ultimate goal of the program is the amelioration of the educational achievement of Mexican-American children in elementary schools by preparing teachers who will be able to effect change through their ability to: (a) assess needs, and (b) develop teaching strategies that will enable Mexican-American children to realize their fullest potential. The program is competency-based and comprised of four major components: Spanish language, linguistics, behavioral and social sciences, and professional education. Program graduates complete an interdisciplinary major in cross-cultural studies and receive a B.S. degree in elementary education and elementary provisional certification in Texas, with endorsement to teach in bilingual elementary schools. (The document includes a program summary and appendixes with supplementary material.) (Author/PD)