Home Language Survey Revisions as a Leverage Point for Equity: A Critical Policy Analysis

• In Event: Centering Equity in State Policy-Making Processes

Abstract

Across the country, the English learner (EL) identification process often involves the administration of a home language survey (HLS), sometimes called “language use surveys” or “home language questionnaires,” to identify potential ELs for language proficiency screening. While an HLS may seem like innocuous enrollment paperwork, it carries with it high stakes for students and families. As members of a state education agency subcommittee focused on revising the state HLS, we use the HLS revisions as a vehicle to examine issues of equity for EL students (and potential EL students) and their families. We draw upon critical policy analysis to investigate the policies surrounding HLSs.

Authors

• Emma Taylor, Michigan State University

• Madeline Mavrogordato, Michigan State University