Toward Equitable Educational Opportunities: The Global Seal of Biliteracy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Re-Envisioning Classification, Pathways, and Possibilities for Newcomers and Long-Term English Learners

Abstract

In an effort to disrupt the hegemonic practices and systematic inequalities that exist at the higher education levels, this HSI implemented a Global Seal of Biliteracy which valued and honored the linguistic capital and genius of the first cohort of students that received a digital badge for their professional biliteracy skills. During the first year of this initiative, focus groups were conducted with students and key institutional players to talk about the value and process of the implementation of the program. Preliminary findings demonstrated that this seal allows students to see their language as multifaceted; aspower, professional, and personal. Through their testimonios, they were able to express themselves, bilingually, and their thoughts of the process of receiving the seal.

Authors

• Reka C. Barton, California

• Cristina Alfaro, San Diego State University