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The Emperor Has No Clothes: Decimating Bilingual Education and Dual Language in Connecticut

Sun, April 19, 4:05 to 5:35pm, Hyatt, Floor: East Tower - Purple Level, Riverside West

Abstract

The Purpose of this study is to describe and examine the forces that brought about the termination of district-wide bilingual education and a dual language magnet school in a predominately Latino community in Connecticut. These programs were replaced with Structured English Immersion, a controversial program imported from the Southwest. A combination of a weak state bilingual education legislation, little governmental oversight, a lack of support for bilingual and dual language programs at the district, and evasive and bullying tactics by the superintendent and school board resulted in the decimation of both programs within a few months time. The case shines light on local and statewide elements that need to be in place if bilingual education policies are to be strengthened.

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