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the people would be reluctant to participate in the research because
of their previous experiences in Cuba and in this country. Nevertheless,
the teachers and aides encouraged the students and parents to partici
pate. They suggested the students should talk to me and view me
as a regular part of the bilingual program. I believe that had it
not been for the support of these professionals, this research could
not have been conducted.
Student Population Description
The 63 Cuban children studying at the junior high school where
this research was conducted constituted the entire 1980 Cuban junior
high school population enrolled in the bilingual program within the
specific section of the school district where this study was conducted.
In addition to these 63 Cubans, there were 24 other students of the
same age and approximate English-ability level who were also members
of the bilingual program. These students came from Latin America,
Europe, and Asia and represented a total of five different languages
other than English.
Most Cubans walked to school in groups, rode bicycles there
together, or came by group private transportation. Although the
majority of the Cuban students lived near the school, some of the
students were bussed from as far as 30 miles away.
Letters of permission were written in Spanish according to the
guidelines specified by the Protection of Human Subjects Committee
at the University of Florida (see Appendices B and C for Letters of
Permission to the students and parents). Of the 63 students who were