Statewide Collaboration in Support of Improved Teaching and Teacher Education Practices for Bilingual Students: When Competitors Don't Compete

• In Event: 29.091 - Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: 29.091-2 - Teacher Education Policy Poster Session

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the history and impact of a statewide collaboration between policymakers and researchers/teacher educators in Colorado called HELDE (Higher Education Linguistically Diverse Educators). Since 2007, state level policy makers and higher educators have been collaborating to improve the education of bilingual students in the state. This collaboration has sustained positive outcomes such as improved Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) endorsement requirements and the development of an implementation guide for CLDE teachers to navigate the new teacher evaluation system in place. Overall, this research demonstrates the value of such collaborations as well as continued opportunities for HELDE’s growth and improvement. Further, this study provides valuable perspectives that can support the replication of similar collaborations in other states.

Authors

• Kara Mitchell Viesca, University of Colorado - Denver

• Jeanette Amayo, Jones International University

• Lorretta Chavez, Metropolitan State University of Denver

• Karla J. Esser, Regis University