Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching in Bilingual Inclusive Classrooms

• In Event: Bilingual Special Education for the 21st Century: Reimagining the Future

Abstract

In alignment with this year’s theme of “Dismantling racial injustice and constructing education possibilities,” this presentation takes an intersectional approach to offering practical guidelines for implementing culturally and linguistically responsive teaching (CLRT) practices for

educators working with emergent bilinguals (EBs) with and without disabilities. We begin by defining CLRT and contextualizing the need for CLRT practices through a review of current research at the interface of bilingual and special education. Importantly, we contextualize our work within the current sociopolitical climate and the implications for Spanish-speaking EBs with and without disabilities. Then, we draw on examples from one urban school to highlight the potential of CRLT. Our presentation concludes with an articulation of our vision for the potential of CLRT to support this population of students. By looking back, we imagine future bilingual classrooms that aim to dismantle linguistic and ableist injustices and construct new possibilities for EBs, both with and without disabilities.

Authors

• Elizabeth Silva Diaz, Bank Street College of Education

• Vanessa Santiago Schwarz, University of Colorado - Boulder