Dual Language Bilingual Education

This book explores the role of the teacher in dual language bilingual education (DLBE) implementation in a time of nationwide program expansion, in large part due to new and unprecedented top-down initiatives at state and district level. The book provides case studies of DLBE teachers who: (a) implemented the DLBE model with fidelity; (b) struggled to implement the DLBE model; and (c) adapted the DLBE model to meet the needs of their local classroom context. The book demonstrates the way teachers as language policymakers navigate and interpret district-wide DLBE implementation and the tensions that surface through this process. The research, conducted over four years using a variety of methods, highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by teachers implementing DLBE, and will be of interest to both teachers and administrators of DLBE programs as well as scholars working in bilingual education.

As dedicated scholars and advocates for bilingual education, Henderson and Palmer bring to readers an insightful account of the impacts of ideology, identity and policy in bilingual classrooms. Their careful analysis of practitioners in Texan schools point to urgent issues as well as possibilities facing bilingual education and language policy in the United States., This book gives educational leaders (beginning with our teachers) important ‘food for thought’, encouraging reflection upon what our individual and collective contribution needs to be if we are to be successful in delivering the promise of K-12 Dual Language Bilingual Education for ALL families who choose to participate., This excellent book provides a fascinating example of dual language bilingual education today. Rich in ethnographic detail and insightful analysis, Henderson and Palmer carefully document how teachers navigate what proves to be extremely challenging policy terrain. While the case is unique, the findings and recommendations offer crucial implications for language education policies and bilingual programs everywhere., This is a timely contribution given the increasing interest in these [dual language bilingual education] programs; the benefits of bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy; and the need for a resource describing teachers’ roles in implementing a top-down DLBE model., After reading this book, educators will be able to better identify, understand and negotiate their personal language ideologies with the needs of the student population that they are serving. This knowledge will contribute to the effectiveness of the dual language bilingual education program that they are implementing.

Kathryn I. Henderson is an Associate Professor of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies in the School of Education at The University of Texas at San Antonio, USA. Her research interests include language ideologies, language policy and dual language bilingual education programs.Deborah K. Palmer is a Professor of Equity, Bilingualism and Biliteracy in the School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. Her research interests include bilingual education policy and politics, critical additive bilingual education, translanguaging, teacher preparation for linguistically/culturally diverse teaching contexts, language, power and identity, and bilingual teacher leadership/agency.