Bilingualism Conference Set at TAMIU April 30 and May 1

A two-day bilingual conference is set for Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 at Texas A&M International University. The theme for the 2004 conference is Bilingualism: Celebrating Diversity. This is the second annual offering of the Conference at TAMIU.

The cost is $50 per person or $25 for students and events begin at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 30 in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center and the Student Center.

Dr. Humberto Gonzalez, dean of the College of Education, said two keynote speakers have been scheduled along with 48 breakout sessions, and an educational materials vendors exhibit. He said a major focus of the Conference is meeting the educational needs of a rapidly growing community with diverse student populations, especially second language learners.

"The featured keynote speaker is the Honorable Senator Carlos Truan. He was the first Hispanic Dean of the Texas Senate in 1995 and before being elected to the Senate, served four terms in the House of Representatives. His zeal and untiring effort to improve the lives of all is often commented on," said Gonzalez, "As a State Representative, he exposed institutional childcare abuses in Texas and sponsored the Texas Child Care Licensing Act of 1975. He also authored the Texas Public Housing Authority Act and the Texas Bilingual Act in 1969, the Texas Adult Education Act in 1973 and the Interstate Placement of Children Act in 1975."

Gonzalez said a symposium of school administrators and key personnel will address current topics in bilingual education. Breakout sessions include language learning strategies, assessment and accountability requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation, parental involvement, hands-on activities in the areas of literacy, science, math, and ESL models that have proven to be successful.

Another keynote speaker will be Dr. Gustavo Gonzalez, scheduled Saturday, May 1, who will discuss "The No Child Left Behind Legislation and Bilingual Education: Promises and Challenges."

"Dr. G. Gonzalez is chair of the Department of Bilingual Education at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, for the doctoral program," Gonzalez said, "His honors include the Distinguished Researcher of the Year at Texas A&I University and Honoree of the Year at the Texas Association for Bilingual Education. His writing activities include more than 50 articles, book chapters, technical reports and book reviews."

Gonzalez explained sessions are available in English and Spanish and begin on Friday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m.

He said all participants will receive a certificate of professional training for the sessions attended. Exhibits will be opened from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. -1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 1.

Onsite registration will be available Friday, April 30 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Please call 956.326.2435 for additional information.