5 Steps to Protect Our Dual Language Programs

Art: “Reading to my heart’s content” by Jeena Ann Kidambi
A topic that I find repeated in conversations over and over again is what’s going to happen to our Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) programs with so many changes happening all around us. But the reality is that DLBE programs have never been particularly safe. As many educators can attest to, they are the first to go on the chopping block when budget cuts arise. Blame is quickly thrown at bilingual education – when the scores are not what we hope for, the response is always, “See? Dual Language doesn’t work.” To many students, bilingual education is as fundamental as STEM, but when math scores are disappointing, it is hard to imagine someone saying, “See, math doesn’t work.” And often, people wonder why we are teaching another language in the first place… isn’t the United States an English-only country? (It’s not.)
Therefore, regardless of what is going on around us, whether the tide looks favorable or not, we need to work on protecting our programs. Here are five steps to do just that.
- Educate everyone about the importance of bilingualism. Whether we are talking about community members, teachers, administrators, school board members, or even parents, make sure that the world knows why we want our students bilingual. Talk about the economic, cognitive, and social benefits of multilingualism, for both students who speak the Language Other Than English at home and for students who speak English at home. Talk about how DLBE programs are the only research-based programs proven to be able to close the opportunity gap. When everybody knows the importance of bilingualism you will be surprised at who comes to its defense when it faces annihilation.
- Follow the 7 Sides of Dual Language Instruction™. If your program has the right structures, such as clear language allocation plans and follows the right instructional strategies, it will be successful. Make sure that every element is in place through a thorough evaluation, and make improvements wherever you need to. Your students will benefit from it, and your program will be stronger and safer.
- Follow your data. Make sure that you are evaluating your students in both languages, and that you are analyzing your students based on their bilingual trajectory, not a monolingual trajectory. If you find that more than 80% of your students are not where they should be, go back to the 7 Sides of Dual Language Instruction™ to determine where your program needs to improve. If less than 20% of students are struggling, make sure that you build a strong MTSS program and use the data and student profile to determine in which language each child should be supported.
- Engage in professional development. We are never done learning, and unless we focus on keeping ourselves abreast of the most current research and best practices, we will not be able to have the strongest programs. Consider attending conferences (such as La Cosecha or NABE [where I will be presenting this February]), read books on DLBE, language acquisition, leadership, etc. Invite experts into your program, school, or district to conduct professional development.
- Share your successes. DLBE does not have room for false humility. Share your successes, no matter how little they are – you never know who they can help and inspire. In my experience, most people are really neither for nor against DLBE, so you can sway them towards our side when they know the benefits and see positive results. As you grow and improve your programs, share what is going well.
If you would like any help with your DLBE program, Language & Equity Education Solutions can help you evaluate your program according to the 7 Sides of Dual Language Instruction™, improve your structures and instruction, help you analyze your data, and provide the needed professional development. And we’ll definitely join you in sharing your successes!
Reach out at arm977@mail.harvard.edu or at 786-390-2100.