Book Description

This book reports on an experimental bilingual education program conducted in Peru by Peruvian educators and Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) linguists. Sections of the book discuss: (1) the historical perspective of the program; (2) program aspects such as teacher training, goals, and curriculum; (3) what this program may contribute to the development of future programs; (4) the preparation of materials in vernacular languages; and (5) bilingual education as it relates to the development of indigenous communities. Papers include "The Role of Vernacular versus Prestige Languages in Primary Education" and "Training to Train: The Key to an Ongoing Program" by Mildred L. Larson, "The Training of Bilingual Teachers" by Olive A. Shell, and "The Challenges of Primer Making" by Patricia M. Davis. Tables include teacher-training course statistics, curriculum and textbooks for bilingual schools, and a synopsis of SIL work among the Aguarunas. Figures include sample pages from texts, primers, and readers, and a variety of letters and forms for supervisory use. Photographs of students, teachers, and other community members are provided. Appendices include the resolution authorizing bilingual education in the Peruvian jungle, laws relating to bilingual education, and sample pages of the 1977 curriculum. (JK)