"Why Are You Here?" The Intersection of Education Policy and Indigenous Language Revitalization in Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Indigenous Educational Opportunities

Abstract

This paper deepens our understanding of how education policy impacts language revitalization efforts in educational settings. This study positions established policy as the focus of a qualitative design, using one public charter Indigenous language K-8 immersion school as a case example of how relevant policy is understood, implemented, and practiced. Drawing on critical education policy (Diem et al., 2014) and critical language policy frameworks (Tollefson, 2006), this study utilizes Interpretive Policy Analysis (Yanow, 2000) to guide a qualitative approach to research. With the aim of providing a more thorough map of policy that impacts language revitalization efforts in public schools, this study has implications for future development of the school and is formative for policy making at multiple levels.

Author

• Kathryn Stemper, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities