Transnumbering – The Concept of Numbers Across Cultures Part I
In a previous post, we defined sociocultural competence, the third goal of Dual Language Education, to mean being able to fight for the rights of those who don’t speak, look, or think like you. It is about grappling with our racist and discriminatory history and being willing to change the future. To do this, we…
Keep readingWhat is Sociocultural Competence? How Does Identity Fit Into It?
Do you remember the three pillars of Dual Language Education? They are: High Academic Achievement Biliteracy and Bilingualism Sociocultural Competence Unfortunately, sociocultural competency is the most elusive of the three goals, partially because the definition is unclear to many and partially, because there are no standardized exams that can test this pillar. Yet, sociocultural competence…
Keep readingThe Intersection of Race and Language in Bilingual Education
But unless we can recognize the intersection of race and language, recognize the underlying racism that causes opponents to fight against Dual Language Education, and call out the racism, we will never adequately address the issues that keep children with home languages other than English from having the opportunity to maintain their linguistic identities.
Keep readingSome People Still Argue for Assimilation: Why This is Still Wrong
Whenever I talk about Dual Language Education, I always find well-meaning individuals, (at least, I hope that they are well meaning), who have to tell me how their grandparents gave up their European language(s) in order to become more “American,” and how our students, too, should assimilate. I often wonder if these well-meaning people have…
Keep reading3 Reasons We Have an Opportunity Gap, Not an Achievement Gap
If you are in education, you have heard the term “achievement gap” in reference to score differentials amongst groups of students. These “groups of students” are determined by their race, linguistic background, disability status, and socioeconomic background. For instance, you will have heard people make comments such as, “There is a large achievement gap between…
Keep readingOur Students Are Emergent Bilinguals – Words Matter
Many terms are used to refer to students who are striving for English language proficiency. These terms include English Language Learners (ELL), English Learners (EL), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) student, English as a Second Language (ESL) student, and English as a New Language (ENL) student. However, all of these are deficit-minded terms. …
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