Dr. Leo Gómez - Professor
The University of Texas Pan American

Dr. Leo Gómez is a Professor in Bilingual-Bicultural Education at The University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.  Dr. Gómez’s research has focused on instructional practices that effect language minority students.  He has been extensively involved in the development, implementation and assessment of two-way/dual language programs.  He received his B. A. Degree in Secondary Education from Pan American University, M. A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas Pan American, and Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Bilingual/ESL/Multicultural Education from Texas A&M University.

Over the last 12 years, he has focused his research on language issues that effect language minority students.  His most recent publications include:

• Gómez, L. & Ruiz-Escalante, J. (2005). Achieving equity through enrichment bilingual education. In M.
  Littleton, A. Pankake, & Schroth (EDs.) Administration and Supervision of Special Programs.
  Debuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt.
  
  
• Gómez, L., Freeman, Y., & Freeman, D. (2005). Dual language education: A promising 50-50 dual language model,
  Bilingual Research Journal, 29(1).
  
  
• Alecio-Lara, R., Galloway, M., Irby, B. J., Gómez, L., Rodriguez, L. (2004). Two-way immersion programs in Texas,
  Bilingual Research Journal, 28(1).
  
  
• Valerio, M., Gómez, L., Gómez, R. (2001). Attitudinal shifts of teachers implementing a two-way   bilingual education program.
  The Journal of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education, Spring 2001.
  
  
• Gómez, L. (2000). Two-Way bilingual education: Promoting educational and social change.
  The Journal of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education, 5 (1), Spring.
                 
• Gómez, R. & Gómez, L. (1999). Supporting dual CALP development among second language learners:
  The two-way model revisited. Educational Considerations Journal, 26(2) Spring

               
Dr. Gómez has been extensively involved in the development, implementation and assessment of two-way/dual language education programs implementing a 50-50 Dual Language Instructional Model developed in 1996.  He has also engaged in impacting policy changes in bilingual education across the state of Texas.  In 1999, he founded the South Texas Two-Way Bilingual Education Consortium, made up of practicing dual language educators with the goal of promoting and supporting two-way bilingual education for schools in South Texas.  Similarly, in December of 2000, he established the Texas Two-Way/Dual Language Consortium with the same goals, but for statewide impact.  He currently serves as Executive Director of these organizations.  He has conducted countless professional development workshops on two-way/dual language education and in other areas in the field of bilingual/ESL, and has secured, administered and evaluated numerous Title VII and Title III bilingual programs.  In 2001-2002, he served as President of the Rio Grande Valley/Texas Association for Bilingual Education (RGV/TABE), and at the state level, he currently serves as President of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) state organization.