Rationale for Early Childhood Bilingual-Bicultural Education.

The document presents a rationale favoring early childhood bilingual-bicultural education. In a review of the literature, the author points out the need for a bilingual approach to education in an effort to help non-English-speaking citizens lead more productive lives in our society. It is noted that there is opposition to this approach from the many investigators who claim that there is evidence linking native bilingualism with retardation and underachievement in schools. The author cites the more recent studies which show that this handicap results from the way communities and schools have dealt with children who speak another language and not from the children's bilingualism; thus, he feels it is desirable to erase the reigning Anglo stereotype and to recognize the Mexican American in developing curricula and educational programs. Included in the document are discussions of types of bilingual programs and thought processes involved, along with conclusions and recommendations for continuing bilingual-bicultural educational programs and corresponding teacher education programs. (EJ)