STATE OF THE ART OF PACIFIC BILINGUAL EDUCATION

A discussion of the state of bilingual education in the Pacific islands administered by the United States (Guam, American Samoa, and Micronesia) begins with background information on the patterns of education and language use in the region and in each separate area. The current status of bilingual education programs and support projects is described, and the lack of materials and program assessment is discussed. Special considerations of program development in these areas are noted, including costs, isolation from universities, need for materials, lack of continuity in administrative personnel, research needs, and low funding. The general recommendation is for a federal commitment to bilingual education basic programs, teacher training, materials development,' and research on program effectiveness. Specific recommendations are also made for each area of special consideration in program development. (MSE) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document