Stories From a South Texas Escuelita: Genealogies of Biliteracy in Nepantla

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Division G Roundtable Session 4

Abstract

In this qualitative study we consider genealogy as a methodology for understanding complex and contradictory ideologies of biliteracy practices of south Texas escuelitas. The escuelitas—or little schools—were sites of resistance where Spanish literacy and Mexican culture was taught. We examine oral histories, artifacts (i.e. poems and textbooks), and history to consider how literacy ideologies at the escuelitas were imbue with complexity and contradiction. Employing Anzaldúa’s (1987) theory of nepantla, we situate these ideologies within the space and time period to speak about the ways in which minoritized communities engaged in biliteracy practices Findings challenge deficit tropes of Mexican-American apathy towards education and orient attention to the possibilities for community-based stakeholders to materially influence schooling and education.

Authors

• Enrique David Degollado, University of Iowa

• Rosalyn Harvey-Torres, Georgia State University

• Randy C. Bell, University of North Texas