Major Findings on the Effectiveness of Bilingual Education.

Overview & Synopsis

A review of 10 major studies, conducted since 1976, assessing the effectiveness of Title VII bilingual education programs suggest that bilingual education is a viable instructional program for children of limited English-speaking ability. The studies examined are: "Bilingual Education: An Appraisal of Empirical Research," Zappert and Cruz; "Effectiveness of Bilingual Education: A Review of the Literature," Baker and de Kanter; "Political Experience on Educational Research: An Analysis of Baker and de Kanter's Review of the Literature of Bilingual Education," Seidner; "Baker de Kanter Review: Inappropriate Conclusions on the Efficacy of Bilingual Education," Yates; "Evaluation of the Impact of ESEA Title VII Spanish/English Bilingual Education Program," American Institute for Research; "The AIR Evaluation of the Impact of ESEA Title VII Spanish/English Bilingual Education Programs: An IDRA Response," Intercultural Development Research Association; "Longitudinal Study: Title VII Program Sante Fe Public Schools," California State University, Los Angeles; "An Evaluation of Bilingual Education Instructional Program Administered in Michigan: 1979-80 School Year," Michigan Department of Education-Bilingual Education Office; "Bilingual/Bicultural Education: The Colorado Success Story," Egan and Goldsmith; "Texas Bilingual Education Programs Demonstrate Their Effectiveness," Jackson. Only the American Institute for Research report and the Baker and de Kanter study gave negative findings and the validity of these reports has been challenged. (NEC)