Conference

Dual Language Bilingual Education in Iowa: Valuing The Language and Culture of Our Latino-American Youth and Their Families

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Abstract

Most dual language programs across the country state that they are making bilingual, bicultural citizens, but make financial and instructional choices to please their primary English speaking students and their families. With all that research states about the benefits of bilingual education, we need to take a hard look at who the programs are really good for and how to ensure their effectiveness for all bilingual learners. Few bilingual programs exist in Iowa, most of them having been in place for years. These bilingual programs are opt-in for all students, regardless of first language. If we are to entertain starting more bilingual programs across our state (which we should), we must consider how to better serve our marginalized students and their families. What would this bilingual education model look like? We will explore what this type of program must include and what steps must be taken in order for it to happen. We will consider what types of resistance exist and how to work towards mutual understanding of the benefits of bilingual education for all students, but especially for our Latino youth and their families.