Problems and Strategies in Teaching the Language Arts to Spanish-Speaking Mexican American Children.

Problems associated with teaching English language arts to Mexican American pupils are examined. Attention is given to curriculum considerations, methodologies, and innovations for effecting success in language arts development for these children. The four major strategies discussed include: (1) readying the child for the common curriculum, (2) second language learning, (3) reading instructional approaches, and (4) bilingual education. It is concluded that the solution appears to require: a commitment to the need for a newer way of thinking and working with these children and a feel for the problem; a changed approach to planning, decision-making, and teaching, resulting in a different teaching leadership style; and a broadening of the base of participation by opening society's institutions at all levels to all of its peoples. (SW)