Published: May 1, 1994

Trends: Growing Their Own

Frustrated with the cost and time associated with recruiting bilingual teachers, an increasing number of districts are looking to their own language-minority students for prospective instructors. The Fontana program, which helps student participants pay for college, is seen as one of the most comprehensive models in this nascent movement.

As Nievas points out, it not only helps the district but gives the students a leg up, as well. "There are kids you may think are going straight to McDonald's, but who are trying to improve,'' Nievas says. "This program is something our schools aren't doing enough of: saying, 'We can help you achieve your goals.' ''

A 1993 study done for the U.S. Department of Education estimated that there are at least 35,000 certified bilingual teachers working in schools across the country. The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) estimates, however, that U.S. school districts currently need about 175,000 more to serve some...