Maintaining Linguistic Assets: A Transformative Shift in American Education
As I reflect on my personal journey as a multilingual student in Oxnard, California, I am reminded of the profound transformation unfolding in the educational landscape of the United States. The once-prevalent transitional bilingual programs, focused solely on the acquisition of English, have given way to a more holistic and inclusive approach – the embrace of bilingualism as America’s future.
The Capitol Hill Research and Policy Briefing I had the privilege of testifying at, “A Civil Rights Agenda for the Next Quarter Century,” hosted by the UCLA Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles, illuminated the critical civil rights considerations surrounding the education of multilingual students. No longer are we content with merely supporting the transition to English proficiency; the emphasis has shifted towards the preservation and elevation of linguistic assets, a fundamental right of these students.
The Dual Language Advantage
The dual language program model, in contrast to the transitional approach of my youth, has emerged as a transformative solution. By leveraging the student’s home language alongside the target language they are learning, these programs provide a comprehensive learning environment that fosters academic achievement, cultural enrichment, and cognitive development.
The research is unequivocal – dual language programs not only yield higher assessment scores, but also cultivate a profound sense of identity, belonging, and family engagement. Bilingualism, once seen as a hindrance, is now recognized as a cognitive and economic boon, unlocking a world of opportunities for our multilingual students.
Pathways to Bilingualism: A Collaborative Effort
Realizing the vision of “a pathway to bilingualism for every student” requires a multifaceted approach. The federal government’s Raise the Bar initiative serves as a guiding light, but the true progress lies in the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
Through increased Title III funding for professional development, targeted grants for multilingual educator training, and enhanced data systems to track the supply of such educators, the federal government can provide essential support. Similarly, state and local education agencies must spearhead the expansion of dual language programs, ensuring they remain centered on the needs of historically marginalized multilingual students.
The key to success lies in the cultivation of a diverse and well-prepared teaching force, adept in dual language instruction. Grow-your-own dual language tracks, which empower individuals from diverse communities to earn teaching credentials, are a promising strategy to bolster the pipeline of qualified multilingual educators.
Embracing Linguistic Diversity
As the United States continues its transformation into an increasingly multilingual nation, with 67.8 million people speaking a language other than English at home and 5.1 million students requiring English language support, the imperative for bilingual education becomes ever more pressing.
By expanding the languages offered in dual language programs beyond the predominant Spanish, we can celebrate the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity that characterizes our country. From Arabic to Mandarin, Navajo to the 350 languages spoken across the nation, the path to truly inclusive education lies in honoring the linguistic assets of all students.
The Civil Rights Imperative
At the heart of this movement is the recognition that multilingual students classified as English learners have a civil right to grade-level content and English language support. How we respond to this imperative will shape the future of our nation, ensuring that every student, regardless of their linguistic background, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the fabric of our shared society.
As I reflect on my own journey, I am heartened by the transformative shift unfolding in American education. The embrace of bilingualism as our future holds the promise of a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society. It is a legacy that we must collectively nurture and protect, for the benefit of generations to come.