Exploring Diverse Educators' Understanding of Dual-Language Bilingual Education Goals in the Pursuit of Equity

• In Event: Reimagining Equity in Bilingual Education

Abstract

Prior research has shown the importance of developing teachers’ ideological clarity to promote educational equity in Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE), yet research is needed to better understand how ideologies are constructed among diverse educators. Using the lens of Language Ideologies and Raciolinguistics, we analyzed data teacher interviews/pláticas, and classroom observations to examine how diverse teachers conceptualize goals of DLBE. Our findings revealed ways that diverse teachers’ and administrators' language ideologies are connected to their experiences, positioning, and racialization. Our findings shed light on the importance of critically interrogating hegemonic discourses permeating DLBE programs and offer implications for supporting ongoing teacher learning to sustain DLBE teachers and the integrity of programs in the pursuit of equity and social justice.

Authors

• Astrid Mariel Sierra Mejia, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author

• Melinda E. Martin-Beltran, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author

• Amanda D. Cataneo, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author