That statute made it illegal for teachers and administrators to use any language other than English except in foreign language classes. However, it did not provide funding for such curriculum. By 1970, however, federal grants were supporting 27 bilingual programs in Texas school districts. And the number has increased yearly, center records show. Rita Latimer, a Cuban immigrant and principal of the primarily bilingual RISD Academy, recalls what it was like trying to learn in the earlier environment.
Immersion is very painful for the child and very difficult.
Bilingual education helps ease the transition. Proponents of immersion programs say recently released test scores for California, which dismantled bilingual education programs two years ago, show improvement. Others say it's a matter of who is interpreting the scores and how. Regardless, the results have boosted reformers around the country, including those in Massachusetts, who are hoping to present a similar initiative in 2002. If anyone is contemplating a similar effort in Texas, they haven't made it public yet.