Bilingualism can and should become a tool capable for strengthening and broadening relationships between cultural groups that share the same ambitions and objectives. It is for this and for economic planning reasons, that the Andalusian Ministry of Education has promoted and supported the development of bilingual education since 2005. However, to date, few studies exist that truly reflect the Initiative’s trajectory. A considered study is needed to review and reflect progress and to consider what, if any, changes are needed to ensure the Initiative’s continued relevancy and effectiveness for Planners, Providers and Users. The scope and overall objective of this research is to consider the current arrangements for provision of bilingual education in schools in the rural areas of the province of Malaga - a policy which forms an important and distinctive part of an overarching approach for inclusive education.
Specifically, the research is designed to:
• Assess the merits or otherwise of current planning, provision, and practice;
• Incorporate the findings within an overall consideration of the implications and benefits of current provision;
• Offer an assessment of the potential for reaffirmation of current practice or suggest further change and improvement in the current arrangements; and
• To review existing arrangements for teacher training and methodologies - including the commitments expected to be made by Management and by the Teaching profession necessary to underpin and deliver on the intercultural and bilingualism objectives of the current policy.