TABE - Mission

TABE MISSION STATEMENT

Through a balanced program of research, professional development, and public education, TABE pursues the implementation of educational policies and effective bilingual-bicultural programs that promote equal educational opportunity and academic excellence for language minority students. TABE firmly believes that only enrichment (additive) forms of bilingual education ensure that language minority students are successful academically and develop age-appropriate English proficiency. To this end, TABE fully endorses and promotes the implementation of research-based two-way/dual language programs and maintenance (late-exit) bilingual programs.

In keeping with this fundamental mission, TABE is committed to the following guiding principles:

To serve as a professional association for persons interested in bilingual education;

To review and analyze the state of bilingual-bicultural education in Texas schools and exchange ideas and practices for more effective implementation;
To study legislation at the state and national level affecting the educational needs of linguistically and culturally diverse children;
To exchange educational data, studies, ideas, practices and information with policy-making bodies, such as the Texas Legislature, the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency and the United States Department of Education;
To ensure that Texas public schools provide all students with a program of instruction and cultural development that enhances the student's sense of identity and fosters a positive self-concept;
To ensure that Texas public schools develop, through academic instruction, the native language and cognitive skills of non-English background students, and that all students become proficient in English plus one or more languages.
To ensure that language minority parents are involved in the educational development of their children and included in decision-making processes affecting their children's education.
To collaborate with institutions of higher education to ensure the implementation of quality teacher preparation programs.