Abstract
This research paper analyzes the specific challenges educators face when teaching bilingual children with special education needs. Specifically, it attempts to address whether early intervention for at-risk bilingual children with disabilities and other handicaps or other specific tools and academic strategies will improve learning outcomes. The paper also provides statistics on the unique challenges educators must address when working with special education bilingual students.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem Statement
Background
Preliminary Literature Review
Methods
Theoretical Framework & Data Collection

From the Paper
"Amato & Baca (1989) note that throughout history bilingual education has shifted multiple times, from "nonbiased native-language assessments" to specific services directly related to a student's special needs and bilingual ability (168). Many consider the field of bilingual special education one that is emerging and growing. Baca & Cervantes (1989) note a need for a bilingual special education "interface" exists that incorporates training for special education students and teachers (168). Amato & Baca (1989) observe that certain teacher competencies are clearly necessary for bilingual special education teachers, competencies that must be more clearly defined. Neuman & Roskos (1997) and other researchers including Gonzalez-Bueno (2003) suggest promoting literacy among bilingual special education students should be a primary concern for educators. They suggest use of a bilingual alphabet will help facilitate this process."

Tags:handicap, BINL, minority

Abstract
The paper looks at how Cummins provides an article that is insightful as to how bilingual language can be brought forth under circumstances, but asserts that his arguments are often linear and politically charged when convincing opponents on educational policy. The paper posits that it does not make a society "neo-fascist" if they chose to either accept or reject a certain type of bilingual education within a curriculum.

Tags:cummins, language, spanish

Abstract
Using some personal experiences in learning English, and enduring the criticism and cruelty of fellow students, this essay examines the obliogations of teachers, students and parents for success in bilingual education. Examples are used from Maxine Hong Kingston's "Tongue Tied" and Richard Rodriguez' "Aria" to substantiate both problems and successes of learning a new language in school.

From the Paper
OPTION 1: DIFFICULTIES FOR BILINGUAL CHILDREN Difficulties for bilingual children come not from them, but their teachers, fellow students or parents who do not practice speaking English. Children adapt quickly. New languages come easy. Not for adults. So, many children who come from other countries and other cultures end up as then head of their families. They have to grow up more quickly. They become translators at stores, on the street, anywhere in public. And, unlike Richard Rodriquez' point of view, many children go to school and are glad to get away from their "foreign" parents. He says "Students that I work with are Spanish speakers. Their language is one of the most meaningful

Tags:school, esl, bilingual education

Abstract
This paper examines the criteria for measuring early language development, the concepts associated with ascertaining a child's developmental progress, the research supporting the prevailing theories and the significant findings inherent in credible research in these areas. It discusses how all over the globe young children seem to effortlessly acquire two or more languages at one time, while some uphold the belief that children who are exposed to multiple languages too early may experience developmental language delays and/or confusion. It evaluates how scientific research has attempted to examine whether young bilinguals can ascertain that they are acquiring two separate and distinct languages early on.

Outline
Introduction
Research and Analysis
Bilingual Paradox
Bilingual Deficit Hypothesis
Unitary Language System Hypothesis
Bilingual Advantage Hypothesis
Differentiated Language System Hypothesis
Vocabulary Development
The MacArthur CDI
Linguistic Milestones
Lexical Identifiers
Neutrals
Translation Equivalents
Interlocutor Sensitivity
Language Choice
Codemixing
Parental Discourse Strategies
Early Constraints
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"The line of thought that resembles popular opinion about whether or not children should be raised bilingual from birth is called the "Bilingual Paradox". It is a paradox because there are conflicting contemporary theories about whether or not it is the preferred method of introducing two languages. While much research shows that, by several measures, children who are exposed to two languages simultaneously between the ages of zero and three achieve major milestones within the same timeframe and with similar results as monolinguals, the contemporary line of thought has been to teach a child one language early on, reserving the introduction of a second language for the later school years. The thinking associated with the latter opinion is that introducing two languages early on will confuse the child, or that the child will be disadvantaged in mastery of one or both languages. There are, however, steps parents can take early on based on proven research to give their child an advantage in learning language skills. Methodologies, tools, timing mechanisms and support strategies have been developed through testing and observation that aids children in successful and timely language development, specifically in the adoption of multiple languages."

Tags:language, parents, macarthur, cdo, lexical, identifiers

Abstract
This paper discusses the many advantages of immersion bilingual programs for students. The author discusses a model used in Canada as a means of maintaining one's first language before acquiring another. Additionally, the author cites many advantages of children being bilingual, including ease of learning another language, increased language and cognitive skills and acceptance of other cultures.

Outline:
Greater Language and Cognitive Learning
Better Learning of other Curricula
Closing the Gaps between Student Abilities
Respect for Other Cultures
Other Benefits from Immersion Programs

From the Paper
"Overall, research has shown that children in a total immersion program will experience a delay in their English language arts skills. This is normal and is to be expected, due to the lack of formal instruction in English. However, by third grade, the English literacy skills of immersion students will become equal to those of students educated in a traditional school. By fifth grade, many immersion students will surpass traditional students in English reading and writing. This happens due to a transfer of literacy skills across languages. A strong grasp of a first language provides a solid basis for the acquisition of English literacy."

Tags:bilingual, education

Abstract
Infants and very small children are extremely receptive of almost all forms of learning. For many years, it was the practice to begin foreign language training at the high school level. However, research suggests that children who begin bilingual education at the pre-school level are the most effective language learners. This paper explains that the myths of dual language acquisition have largely been found to be false: learning more than one language does not lead to confusion or disorders in the learner. The paper also discusses the benefits that occur when bilingual education is begun at a very early age.

Tags:bilingual, language, teach

Abstract
This paper examines the various reasons why bilingual education is not only necessary but also effective. The writer of this paper stresses the need for bilingual education as a step to wean students from their native language as effectively as possible and to get them into the educational mainstream. Critics of bilingual education believe that non-English speaking students are not sufficiently mastering the English language and as a result low test scores prove that education is failing them in both their native as well as their second language.

From the Paper
"For children in primary, secondary, or even college level grades, as well as for their parents, bilingual education is a "must". Money must be found to develop and maintain a number of such bilingual programs. Bilingual education is, to repeat, a transitional step to wean school children from their native language, as effectively as possible, and to get them into the educational mainstream."

Tags:education, youth, children, language, hispanic, asian, thai, statistics

Abstract
This paper presents a critical analysis of the American Bilingual Education policy from 1970 to the present.

From the Paper
"Without a doubt, the United States of America is a country where large numbers of immigrants come to pursue their goal, freedom, and better life. Based on that fact, it is very inevitable that immigrants would come with their kids or have American-born kids after the immigration. If a child was born outside of this country and came he would not be able to speak English as fluently as American-born kids. Such language barriers, not being able to speak English, prevent one from succeeding in the all English environment of a typical American classroom, because one has to struggle with obstacles generated by the limited English proficiency (LEP). The United States of America has been offering bilingual education nationwide to the ones with limited English proficiency since late sixties. In order to prevent any kind of misunderstanding and confusion in regard to the terminology, the definition of bilingual education is a program where students are taught in their native language instead of English. Its goal is assisting children with limited English proficiency within school system. However, bilingual education system is not helping children learn English and eventually succeed in the English society. It actually prevents them from learning English while taking the chance away to learn English from them as well as chance of getting used to new living environment they face outside school. Therefore, bilingual education system should not take place. "

Tags:children, els, english, immigrants, language, recent, school, second

Abstract
Following up a paper based on some research studies involving stress and other problems facing mexican immigrant children, this continues to look at howw Ameriocan society is faioling to deal with the stress, education, language difficulties and hardships both economiocally and culturally for these children, often forcved to leave their native Mexico due to parental pressures.

From the Paper
Is Our Society Failing Mexican Immigrant Children? Ask a young Mexican immigrant child what "poverty" is, and chances are there is no single definition that explains his current situation. He or she knows that the clothes and shoes they have to go to school in aren't as "nice" as that of their fellow students. They know the food they have is limited to what Mama can afford. Poverty is hearing parents argue late at night about money, or rent, or lack of work. If he accompanies his mother to the store outside the neighborhood, and he hears his mother say "No hablo ingles" it means he has to act as translator- and suddenly he is old and mature for his age. And so, after a while the young Mexican begins

Tags:stress, immigration, bilingual education

Abstract
This paper looks at how "Tongue-Tied: The Lives of Multilingual Children in Public Schools" addresses the different injustices suffered by multilingual children in the American school system. The paper explains the main implication of the work that the current method of incorporating ESL students into the school community renders them tongue-tied in their native language and/or culture, and does not enable these students to truly realize their academic and personal potential. The paper highlights the main message that America is a nation founded upon individualism, not assimilation, and creating an individualized and pluralistic approach is more effective for the school system and the students' education.

From the Paper
"One of the more interesting features of this work is the fact that it does not present its argument in the form of a singular or even multiple essays, but instead uses personal essays as well as data-based research to substantiate its claims. This is to break down conventional means of chronicling academic performance, and to illustrate the emotional costs of forcing children to choose between English and their home language and culture. The diverse personal narratives chronicle the often painful experiences of bilingual or bi and multicultural children within a system that does not understand their needs. Both essays and academic sources compiled within the text show how the process of language acquisition is never culturally neutral. Rather, the system's implied need for children to acquire a new language is often rooted in colonial or post-colonial motivations, and there is an assumption that English is not simply necessary, but is superior to that of the child's home language. Thus the act of speaking English becomes a way for the state to forcibly sever the child's connection to his or her home."

Tags:bilingual, education, NCLBA, culture, assimilation