Barriers Toward Equity: Recognizing Biliteracy of All Students in Minnesota

• In Event: Bilingual Education Research Poster Session 1

Abstract

Education actors in the United States are increasingly promoting language skills development of our students. The Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) has grown into a popular program to promote biliteracy and recognize students who demonstrate skills in English and another language. However, the language used to promote biliteracy, and the criteria put in place to award the SoBL risk exacerbating differences in opportunities between linguistic communities rather than promote speakers of all languages. Minnesota introduced the SoBL through a law aimed at supporting education for English Learners. This paper critically reviews the goals of the Seal of Biliteracy initiative, describes the approaches Minnesota has taken to support English Learners to earn the seal, and discusses the practical challenges schools face.

Authors

• Pierre G de Galbert, Brown University

• Eve Woogen