ABSTRACT
Although all language varieties are complete and coherent linguistic systems, many people argue that the social realities of American society dictate that all students be proficient in Standard English. This position invokes central educational issues concerning language differences between groups of students. If it were possible to teach Standard English quickly and successfully to members of communities where other dialects are used, doing so might provide a rather simple solution to all the problems involving language diversity mentioned in this volume. If there were truly a clear-cut social advantage to speaking Standard English, then, after a short time, all students would share the same advantage. Problems of language interference in test-taking, writing, and reading would be eliminated. However, as might be expected, the answer to questions about how schools should address dialect diversity is not nearly as simple as teaching all students to speak Standard English. This chapter explores the issues related to Standard English and suggests some principles for program development.
