teacher, researcher, life-long learner
The Missouri Dual Language Network is proud to announce its new website: www.modlan.org! Check back often to find resources for (and about) the growing number of dual language, bilingual schools, training, and opportunities across our state. We are also proud to be partnering with the Cambio Center at the University of Missouri to write a series of “e-briefs” about dual language education. Here’s to supporting the development of a multilingual, integrated citizenry in 2016!
On November 20-21, 2014, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Dr. Kim Song, colleagues, and I will host “Bridges to Dual Language Learning.” English language and bilingual teachers from across the state will have opportunities to visit The Spanish School (www.sllis.org) and join a series of workshops:
Immigrant Family Lives and Schools’ Responsibilities: From Federal to Local Policies
JOIN US! For more information, please email coppersmiths @ umsl.edu.
In June 2015, colleagues and I joined together at the annual Cambio de Colores conference. New this year: an entire ‘track’ of presentations on dual language and English Learners (EL) education. I was especially excited to be part of a panel discussing the development and challenges of dual language programs in Kansas City and Carthage, Missouri and community bilingual outreach at libraries in Springfield. There is great work happening – and great needs – across the state. Join us to discuss the “cambiodecolores.org” – Change of Colors – in Missouri and the Midwest.
Educators, parents, and other community members around our state are thinking beyond monolingualism. On February 4, a group of us will convene at the University of Missouri to discuss what we need to move forward. “Like” us on FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/moduallanguage – and post your ideas: How can we support and develop the multiple languages and cultures of our communities and our kids? Updates will be posted on Twitter, too, for those who prefer that social media forum – https://twitter.com/lisamdorner!
There is a lot of research that demonstrates English-only and anti-immigrant rhetoric negatively affects the development of bilingual education programs for children from U.S. immigrant families. We know relatively less, though, about the development of language education programs that strive to develop bilingualism in mixed groups of students (including those from U.S.-born, English-dominant homes), so I designed a study on the creation of Spanish, French, and Mandarin language immersion schools in the Midwest. At one of these schools, I found that community members, parents, and educators alike valued bilingualism and global access as rights and resources for all students — a surprising find in a rather ‘English-only’ context! However, parents also chose specialized language programs for reasons that had little to do with multilingualism or future international interactions; they chose their schools because they wanted safe, socializing spaces for their young children. In a new project, I’m exploring similar questions about the rhetoric and reasons behind new language education policies in Japan. Stay tuned!