# data[].attributes.body
Bialystok, E. (2001). Bilingualism in Development : Language, Literacy, and Cognition. Cambridge, GB: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu

Carder, M. (2007). Parents' & Teachers' Guides : Bilingualism in International Schools : A Model for Enriching Language Education. Clevedon, GB: Multilingual Matters. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu

Cummins, J. (1983). Heritage language education: A literature review. Toronto: Ministry of Education, Ontario.

Education Nexus : A Focus on the Context and Consequences of Schooling. (2012). Rotterdam, NL: Sense Publishers. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu

Lorenzo, W. E., & Genesee, F. (1990). Learning through Two Languages: Studies of Immersion and Bilingual Education. The Modern Language Journal, 74(2), 226. doi:10.2307/328131

Ramirez, A. G. (1985). Bilingualism Through Schooling : Cross-Cultural Education for Minority and Majority Students. Albany, US: State University of New York Press. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu

Tesser, C. C., Peyton, J. K., Ranard, D. A., & Mcginnis, S. (2003). Heritage Languages in America: Preserving a National Resource. Hispania,86(1), 75. doi:10.2307/20062812

# data[].attributes.body
Constructivism/Mixed Method Approach

I would utilize this approach in order to gather data utilizing both, quantitative and qualitative methods. This research topic requires to understand the current situation of bilingualism in the nation as well as the unique socio-cultural characteristics of heritage students, and the role that these play on their education.

# data[].attributes.body
(Qualitative) Dialectic / Dialogic: Interview teachers, administrators, parents and students

(Quantitative) Surveys: Create teacher, parent and student surveys

(Qualitative) Observations: Observe a regular day at a bilingual school

(Quantitative) Test scores, analysis of school demographics

# data[].attributes.body
Research Questions:

1)    What’s the current state of bilingual education in the country?

2)    What is the most effective method to teach heritage speakers?

3)    How do state-mandated standardized tests affect the type of instruction in bilingual settings?

4)    What external factors contribute to how successful a student is at acquiring a second language?

# data[].attributes.headline
I will research bilingual education in public schools and its effect on students who are heritage speakers. The term heritage speaker refers to students raised in a home or community where English is the second language, however the students’ dominant tongue is English. These students have acquired to a certain degree, a level of bilingualism, however they lack fundamental concepts in both languages. Although there are exposed to heritage language, most of their lives are conducted in English. These students have the potential to master both languages if, they receive an appropriate bilingual education, have parental support (in both languages) and understand the value of being able to communicate in two different languages.

# data[].attributes.subject
I will research bilingual education in public schools and its effect on students who are heritage speakers. The term heritage speaker refers to students raised in a home or community where English is the second language, however the students’ dominant tongue is English. These students have acquired to a certain degree, a level of bilingualism, however they lack fundamental concepts in both languages. Although there are exposed to heritage language, most of their lives are conducted in English. These students have the potential to master both languages if, they receive an appropriate bilingual education, have parental support (in both languages) and understand the value of being able to communicate in two different languages.