Bilingual Education for All: A Benefits Model for Small Towns

Abstract

Abstract The Benefits Model set forth in this article aims to satisfy the key requirements of an inclusive approach to bilingual education, while taking into consideration the special conditions and challenges faced by small cities and towns. The suggested curriculum, which combines bilingual education based on local languages with multicultural education based on a global perspective, is designed to prepare students to craft their own niche along the local-global frontier. In terms of implementation, the main advantages of the model are (a) its staffing is self-sustaining; (b) the translation of teaching materials would not be required; (c) the funding required is comparable to a regular mainstream program; (d) it would attract extensive involvement in K–12 education by local community members; and (e) it has the potential to strengthen the vitality of small towns and rural communities by building on a distinctive sense of place.