PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS

This paper compares bilingual education policy and practice in Panama and the United States. Particular issues studied include the following: the social context of bilingual education in the two countries; programming and policy differences; teacher qualifications; availability of age-appropriate materials; and administrative support, level of community support, and legal backing. Findings include the following: skills and proficiency in languages other than English are more respected in Panama than the United States; second language learning is typically introduced at an earlier age in Panama; U.S. bilingual education programs have transition into English as the primary goal, while Panamanian programs seek to maintain Spanish while teaching English; both countries suffer from a shortage of qualified teachers; and there are much greater expectations for parent involvement in,the United States. (Contains 54 references.) (KFT) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document