Community-Engaged Research for Supporting Arabic Heritage Language Learners in Elementary Schools

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtable Session 5
  In Invited Roundtable: Literacy and Language Education: Understanding Discourse and Practice (Table 4)

Abstract

This 'works-in-progress' community-engaged research (CER) project explores challenges and opportunities of providing Arabic language education for heritage speakers in grades K-5. Given increasing Arab immigrant population to the U.S. and the risk of native language attrition, the project emphasizes early intervention to support linguistic competence and cultural belonging. Guided by CER principles of reciprocity, mutual respect, and democratic values, the project is a partnership of parents, teachers in a local school district, graduate students, and district administrators. Data sources include interviews, surveys, and field notes and analyses are ongoing. The presentation made by two community partners (graduate student and EL classroom teacher) documents the formation of community partners, interviews with school officials, and parents.

Author

• Mohamed Ahmed, University of Iowa