63.012 - Expanding the Education Research Agenda for Multilingual Language Learners: An AERA-TESOL Collaborative Symposium

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

An estimated 4.4 million English language learners in the US made up 9% of all pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 learners in 2012 (National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition, 2015). This staggering number warrants attention because academic underachievement is rife among this group of students. Given the changing multilingual complexion of our classrooms, this symposium brings together a panel of language-in-education researchers who examine how language policies impact language teacher education. Specifically, the panel will discuss challenges that have arisen as a result of these policies. The panel will also generate possible suggestions on how to expand the language policy research landscape as teacher educators prepare both pre-service and in-service teachers who work with multilingual language learners.

Sub Unit

• AERA Sessions

Chair

• Peter De Costa, Michigan State University

Papers

• A Language-Based Approach to Content Instruction (LACI): Preparing Elementary Teachers for Multilingual Learners - Luciana C. de Oliveira, University of Miami

• Critical Consciousness at the Core: Addressing Inequities in Dual-Language Bilingual Education - Deborah K. Palmer, University of Colorado Boulder

• Taking a Multilingual Stance: Not Just for Bilingual Educators - Ester J. de Jong, University of Florida

• Dual Language Teacher Development in Western Washington and Seattle Metro Area - Manka M. Varghese, University of Washington

Discussants

• George C. Bunch, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Wayne E. Wright, Purdue University