The Possibilities of Policy: A Critical Examination of Policy Discourse to Illuminate the Impact of Race and Language

• In Event: The Intersection of Race and Language in Bilingual Education Programs and Policies

Abstract

This research project explores the impact of educational language policy discourse on the linguistic experiences of racially and ethnically diverse groups of students in PK-12 educational contexts. The study aims to contribute to the field of educational leadership through critical discourse analysis of federal, state, and local educational language policies and illuminating the ways in which policy discourse can inform and sustain deficit ideologies about students adding English to their linguistic repertoires. Initial findings demonstrate how school-based policy-related practices implemented by local policy actors shape the adverse linguistic and academic trajectories of students who divulge their linguistic diversity and emphasizes the importance of promoting the creation, distribution, and implementation of inclusive policy discourse and practices.

Authors

• Dionne L. Davis, Texas State University

• Christina Gomez Hernandez, Texas State University