IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

I wish to express my appreciation to several individuals who assisted and encouraged me in the preparation of my study. Words of gratitude for all those who gave their input and constructive criticism throughout this endeavor are offered to my friends, professors, and colleagues at Texas Tech University, including Dr. Danielle Carrigo who unselfishly read and returned manuscripts while living in Cambridge, Massachusetts and also, to my doctoral committee for providing insights and to others including Dr. Richard Gomez, Ms. Janie Ramirez, my fellow bilingual teachers, and to Patricia Herrera who unselfishly provided me a laptop to work on during the summer months while commuting from Denton to Dallas and Denton to Lubbock. In addition, a special recognition goes to those dearest to my heart, my fellow pioneras. Dr. Mary Garza and Alma Perez whose friendship sustained me during this two-year period. Words alone can never adequately express my admiration for the way they encouraged me to pursue this study and the number of hours they listened to me think through many of my ideas. However, oldest debt extends further back in time to my family, parents and grandparents whose personal histories have guided me and served as an inspiration to me in the most difficult times in my life. My indebtedness is offered in addition to my colleagues from the othe