Attitudinal Perspectives: A Factor to Implementation of a Dual Language Program

The central focus of this study was to determine the overall perceptions of school
administrators, and the district bilingual coordinator on transferring theory to
classroom practice, implementation, as viewed by those involved in the
implementation process of the Gómez and Gómez Model of Dual Language
Education. Responses were solicited from administrative personnel involved in the
implementation of the Gómez and Gómez Model of Dual Language. Results
revealed overall administrative attitudes were positive to the theoretical ideology
and mixed as related to the actual implementation of the dual language program.
The greatest areas of concern were; what to do when students enter the program
who are either not Spanish dominant or who have not been in a dual language
program. The second area of concern was with how to effectively evaluate teachers
as they are observed for implementation of the dual langue program. Lastly, most
administrators felt there was a lack of faculty proficient in Spanish.