Description:
The book is designed as a comprehensive introduction to bilingual education for instructors, researchers and students and a companion to "Foundations of Bilingual Educationa nd Bilingualism". It will fulfil the needs of teacher education and the preparation and professional development of bilingual teachers. Bilingual education at classroom, school and community levels are explored from a contemporary and international perspective.
The readings are divided into four sections:
Section 1: Varieties of Bilingual Education
Section 2: History, Policy and Politics of Bilingual Education
Section 3: Languages and Literacies in Bilingual Education
Section 4: Issues in Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Bilingual Education
Following each of the nineteen readings, there are questions and activities to create an interactive text for instructors and students. Such questions and activities will engage the reader in reflection, deepening understandings and critical appreciation of bilingual education policies, politics and practices.
Brief description: Ofelia Garc?a is Professor in the PhD programs of Urban Education and of Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Literatures and Languages at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Among her most recent books are: Bilingual Education in the 21st Century; Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity, Vols. I & II; Educating Emergent Bilinguals; and Additive Schooling in Subtractive Times.
Review Quotes:
"Bilingual Education: An Introductory Reader" is a welcome addition to the literature, not only for students and administrators, wishing to get an overall view of the field, but also for instructors looking for stimulating (well-founded) course material and for researchers in need of authoritative sources. Readers are offered a carefully designed guided tour through the intricacies of bilingual education, starting with a 'balanced, comprehensive and challenging set of articles' (p.viii). All of which can form the basis for further in-depth reading. These articles fulfil a number of functions, ranging from analysing and summarizing important topics, to challenging existing ideas and beliefs and providing fresh and original thinking. This volume offers a 'hands-on' approach to consideration of bilingual education, in its various forms around the world. Its special value lies not only in its interactive format, encouraging readers to investigate the issues themselves, but also in its willingness to tackle issues of linguistic and cultural human rights. Bilingual Education thus amply fulfils its 'Reader' function, promoting informed participatory debate on the relevant issues, and readers should find it an extremely useful resource-either as a starting point for research, a reference tool, or as a sound course material for professional development