Hegemonic Language Practices in Engineering Design and Dual Language Education

With the goal of achieving bilingualism and biculturalism, dual language education (DL) has a social justice orientation. As the program option with the best track record of closing the achievement gap between Latinx and White students, DL programs can potentially create environments in which learners can develop knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in two languages. In this article, we present findings from a two-year ethnographic study of engineering design curriculum in a K-5 DL program on the U.S.-Mexico border. Our team researched the implementation of a hands-on, highly interactive, inquiry-based STEM curriculum because immigrant emergent bilinguals from border communities are sometimes excluded from these learning opportunities. During the first year of implementation, the STEM curriculum was not taught following DL goals. Essential principles of DL education, including the use of two languages for instruction and equal status for both languages, were not followed. Lack of familiarity with the STEM curriculum and emerging expertise of engineering design explained this decision partially. Due to a dearth of resources, training, and expertise in engineering and in inquiry-based learning, the implementation failed to meet its counterhegemonic potential. In fact, it may have reproduced hegemonic practices that marginalized emergent bilingual Latinx students.

Are Cash Balance Pension Plans A Viable Retirement Program For Corporate America?

Cash Balance Pension Plans are a defined benefit plan where employees have a hypothetical account that increases annually, as a result of compensation credit as well as interest credit. In essence, cash balance pension plans combine elements of both a traditional defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan (Lucas, 2007). This paper examines the recent trends and legal ruling regarding cash balance pension plans. The paper also provides an examination of the role of the Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006 and its impact on cash balance pension plans. An evaluation will also be presented to determine if cash balance pension plans are a viable retirement program option in corporate America.

The Revenue Program Option in the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill: Evaluating Performance Characteristics of the ACRE Program

Had only a farm program like the new ACRE state revenue program existed instead of the authorized 1996–2008 programs for com, soybeans, and wheat, farm support expenditures would have occurred earlier but totaled less. In contrast, at the higher prices forecast for the three crops over the 2009–2012 crop years, spending per acre is expected to be higher for acres enrolled in the ACRE program than for acres enrolled in the traditional programs. These results reflect the different design features of the two programs: revenue versus price assistance and assistance levels that adjust with lagged market revenue versus fixed nominal support triggers. The design issues and policy questions raised for both domestic policy considerations and WTO compliance are discussed.