Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyze the process of change within a single elementary school engaged in planning, implementing, and evaluating an imposed program of bilingual education among a multiethnic Asian pupil population in the face of community and faculty opposition. The study covered two different and distinct leadership styles. Procedure. A case study approach was pursued in which two imposed programs of bilingual education were presented. One program was unsuccessful, the other successful. A number of research techniques were used in collecting data. Survey questionnaires were constructed and distributed to the faculty and bilingual committee; interview schedules were conducted with parents, Asian experts and former principal; in addition a document search and collection was completed. Selected Findings. (1) Widespread differences existed among ethnic groups as to the perceived value of bilingual education. (2) Similarly, differences of opinion existed in terms of the approach to be used in implementing a bilingual education program. (3) A democratic leaderstyle utilizing participatory goal setting, granting of peer status to members of the community and exercising team building strategies was favored over a laissez-faire approach. (4) Distinct attitudinal shifts took place when lines of communication opened up. (5) Community attitudes shifted from anger and open hostility to a passive and constructive orientation when they actively participated in program development. Selected Implications. (1) The site administrator is a key agent to success in program development. (2) Program development is possible within a multiethnic community when communication lines are open, genuine trust has been developed, and effective interpersonal interaction demonstrated. (4) When faculty feel a program is imposed from an authoritarian point of view with little or no opportunity for involvement, some resistence might be expected. (5) Parent involvement and a democratic leadership style are major ingredients for effective change. Selected Recommendations. (1) Further study into the identification of effective bilingual Asian programs. (2) A comparative study be undertaken to identify differences between Asian and Spanish bilingual programs.