ABSTRACT
Most of the research literature on biliteracy has focused on curricular and instructional issues that arise in working with Latino youth. Dual-language bilingual education programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) curricula, and culturally responsive pedagogy are some of the issues that have been discussed at length in the literature. This chapter presents a picture of the educational, economical, and linguistic issues facing these workers. The discussion continues by problematizing traditional workforce education programs and by describing a bilingual approach to workforce education for Latinos. Education in the United States has historically failed to serve the immigrant populations in this country. Both education and English language development are key areas that must be addressed if immigrant workers in the United States are to advance. Innovative practices are also occurring within the classroom through a reconceptualization of bilingual education. Workforce education programs have traditionally been designed for students who are proficient in English.
