School and Community Biliteracy Clubs: Reclaiming Education as a Public Good in the United States and South Africa

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: International Initiatives in Bilingual Education: Comparative Studies and the International Baccalaureate

Abstract

How do we define education reform versus transformative change in education? Education reform is policies that are implemented solely in the school context and are linear defined. Transformative change in education is an overhaul of the entire educational institution and other institutions affecting education through comprehensive and consistently changing social and education policies. Unfortunately, in the U.S., changes in education have been limited to education reforms. South Africa on the other hand, despite linear centralized education reforms, is currently experiencing transformative changes in education through school and community biliteracy clubs. An analysis of four biliteracy educators’ documentary accounts in South Africa and the U.S. will provide a comprehensive understanding of how biliteracy clubs can lead to meaningful changes in education.

Authors

• Alicia Adame, Manor Independent School District

• Nadeema Jogee, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

• Ntombizanele Mahobe, University of Cape Town

• Xolisa Guzula