TAMIU Fronteras Series Book Author Earns Tullis Prize

The Texas State Historical Association named Dr. Carlos Kevin Blanton the winner of the 2005 Coral Horton Tullis Memorial Prize for his book The Strange Career of Bilingual Education in Texas, 1836-1981, part of the Fronteras Series sponsored by Texas A&M International University.

In his book, Dr. Blanton, an assistant professor of history at Texas A&M University, outlines Texas' educational policies from as early as Stephen F. Austin's proposal in the 1830s to "Mexicanize" Anglo children by teaching them Spanish as well as English and French up to the 1981 passage of the most encompassing bilingual education law in the state's history.

Blanton's book presents the Texas experience taking into consideration national trends and movements such as Progressive Education, the Americanization Movement and the Good Neighbor Movement. He reconnects Texas with its bilingual past by tracing the many changes that eventually led to the reestablishment of bilingual education in its modern form.

Blanton holds a Ph.D. in American History from Rice University.

TAMIU's Fronteras Series also includes the award-winning Tejano Proud by Guadalupe San Miguel Jr., Claiming Citizenship by Anthony Quiroz and LULAC, Mexican Americans, and National Policy by Craig Kaplowitz.

The Strange Career of Bilingual Education in Texas, 1836 - 1981 is available at stores or direct from Texas A&M University Press by calling 800.826.8911 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Secure online ordering is also available at http://www.tamu.edu/upress/tsha/tsha.htm

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu