Bilingual education programs: A cross-national perspective

We examine alternative forms of bilingual education that have significant i mplications for intergroup relationships and the reduction of prejudice in two different national settings: Canada and the United States. The Canadian programs are intended for English-speaking students from the culturally do minant group, whereas the U.S. programs we discuss are intended for languag e minority and language majority students. Both aim to promote proficiency in English and another language, These programs provide many of the conditi ons that are argued to be essential for the reduction of prejudice and disc rimination. They also provide students with the communication skills and cu ltural awareness that facilitates intergroup contact The history and curren t structure of these programs along with salient educational practices are reviewed and research relevant to changes in intergroup behavior and attitu des is discussed.