There is an old adage that says a picture is worth a thousand words. Compelling photographs have captured the highs and lows of a century’s worth of historical events as well as the everyday experiences of ordinary people. Photographs of universal human experiences solicit lots of spoken language and emotions. Think about how often sharing…
A new bill in the California State Assembly could change the way educators work with and accommodate the unique needs of dual language learners (DLLs) enrolled in the state’s preschool system. California Assembly Member Luz Rivera has introduced Assembly Bill 1363, which would create a new definition of DLLs in an effort to take a…
The social isolation and countless hours of silent, independent assignments young linguistically diverse scholars have endured during the past year of online learning have left scores in dire need of lessons that affirm their identities while advancing their academic communication skills. In hopes of engaging acolytes in dual language or English language development coursework, empathetic…
As the Department of Education releases $122 billion directly to states as part of the American Rescue Plan, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is encouraging states to make sure students who have been hit hardest by COVID-19 are provided with the resources and support they need. American Rescue Plan funds can be used by SEAs…
The exclusive or predominant use of inner-circle Englishes in English language teaching (ELT) materials creates and perpetuates myths about the ownership and legitimacy of English. It maintains the hegemonic structure that privileges inner-circle Englishes. “But teacher, he speaks with an accent!”My memories sometimes take me back to my ESL classrooms and my highly motivated students…
The World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants Program is accepting applications from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) for elementary and secondary programs until May 7, 2021. Innovative applications for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of world language programs are being prioritized. The programs should target elementary and secondary students as they advance from elementary school through secondary…
Last summer’s civil unrest, BLM protests, and the inequities laid bare by the pandemic forced much reevaluation. The teachers of Spanish and Portuguese were no exception. During the quiet periods offered by the pandemic, the 16-member AATSP Board of Directors reflected on the AATSP’s time-honored logo, complete with seal reminiscent of the coat of arms…
For the first time since its inception, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are or have begun working toward implementing a state Seal of Biliteracy program, according to the recently released 2020 National Seal of Biliteracy Report for the 2018-19 Academic Year. The program, which began in 2008 as a grassroots movement in…
California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, is proposing to spend almost $86 billion in his newly released budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, thanks to the state recording a $15 billion budget surplus despite the economic woes of the pandemic. “The investments we choose must help our schools urgently and immediately recover from this crisis and accelerate…
According to The New York Times and The Washington Post, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is trying to do away with the disparate impact rule when it comes to federal funding approvals in the last days of the Trump administration. The DOJ has reportedly submitted for presidential approval a change to how it enforces…