...Since it's easy to measure results in language acquisition and difficult in cultural studies, the conclusion is obvious: language acquisition must be restored to its place of primacy in Title VI. Doing that means imposing a rigorous set of tests and measurements that would blunt the admitted tendency of academe to divert the money to soft areas that academics love, and where performance can't be measured.

The last assessment of Title VI recommended this refocusing, but didn't propose a way to do it. The mission of the National Research Council is to figure out just that. And if it can't envision a practical and effective way to reorient the program, it should have the courage to announce this: after nearly half a century, the time has come to retire Title VI from America's service.