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 Bilingual/ESL students.

TABE firmly believes that only enrichment (additive) forms of bilingual education ensure that Bilingual/ESL students are successful academically and develop age-appropriate English proficiency. To this end, TABE fully endorses and promotes the implementation of research-based One Way/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.