Teaching in Spanish to the Spanish Speaking

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Juan Gonzalez and his wife, both about forty years old, and their six children represent the typical Mexican immigrant family of the Southwest. They came to San Diego County in the summer of 1966 and Mr. Gonzalez found work as a gardener. If his occupational status was to improve and his children were to take advantage of America's guaranteed opportunities, their educational opportunities must improve. Prior to this time, very few school districts had made specialized commitments that would make this change possible. Through an ESEA Title III project—English As a Second Language Demonstration Project, established in 1967—teachers were trained, ESL programs implemented, and a link between the school and the Spanish‐speaking home established. Although the Gonzalez family now had a start and were learning English, other needs became apparent and led to the funding of an enlarged project—A Regional Approach: ESL/Bilingual‐Bicultural. Lessons to teach content in Spanish and English, as well as adequate testing instruments to measure English proficiency, are being developed and field tested at the elementary and junior high levels. The Gonzalez children can now expect to achieve success in school and the whole family can be assured a feeling of pride in being Americans with a Mexican heritage. © 1969 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages