A Critical Spatial Analysis of Dual Language Access in Urban Settings by Race and Socioeconomics

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  In Roundtable Session: It's More Than Words: A Critical Examination of Language and Literacy in K–12 Settings (Table 9)

Abstract

Texas’ burgeoning linguistically diverse population has contributed to the growth of bilingual education programming. One program type, two-way dual language (TWDL) has become a popular enrichment model of bilingual education receiving increased attention and funding at the state level. While bilingual education originally intended to serve linguistically diverse, primarily Latinx students, research suggests the rapid growth of TWDL has come to serve White, affluent, English dominant students. The present study employed a critical race spatial analysis to describe TWDL locational patterns within San Antonio and Austin based on neighborhood demographics including race/ethnicity and socioeconomics. Findings suggest that access to TWDL is based on differing factors with the socio-historical contexts of San Antonio and Austin playing a major role access.

Author

• Emily Holtz, University of Tennessee