Navigating the Personal and Politics of Language Policy Making

• In Event: 69.056 - Roundtable Session 31
  In Roundtable Session: 69.056-4 - Policy and Politics in U.S. School Reform

Abstract

As an educator-researcher of color and member of a State Board of Education, this autoethnography describes my journey in the world of multilingual policy-making and adoption. Using evocative and analytic autoethnographic methods, I share critical stories and major findings that explored how I navigated the personal and politics of language policy-making. I learned that policy-making depended on reframing the political discourse and context, listening to diverse partners who support and challenge you, applying a methodical yet responsive approach to policy-making, and committing to principles of compromise and conviction. My hope is that these stories and lessons help demystify the process of policy development so more historically disempowered communities are engaged in educational policy-making.

Author

• Patricia E. Halagao, University of Hawaii - Manoa