n
group, this research seeks to remove some of the stereotypical ways
of thinking about them which may currently exist. In summary, it is
anticipated that this research will provide the school systems and
those charged with the responsibility of educating students with
limited English proficiency, additional information on which to base
educational decisions regarding the relationship of students' first
language and second language acquisition. Additionally, it will give
educators and policy makers information on the behaviors which students
display in learning English as a second language. This information can
be utilized to train teachers, structure programs, and encourage
additional research.