MLE 542 - Language, Culture, and Equity in the Classroom

The second in a sequence of courses designed to prepare individuals to work with emergent bi/multilingual students in the USA’s P-12 school context. Educational equity and cultural and linguistic sustainability are core commitments that run throughout this course and across the program. This course expands on foundational concepts introduced in MLE 541: Language, Culture, and Equity: Global to Local and contextualizes the lives of multilingual students in their families, schools, and communities–both broad and local. We will consider the intersection of language, culture, and identity in learning and explore implications for teaching. We will also examine the translation of national and state-level policies into the classroom context (including various program models), looking at implications for schools, teachers, students, and families and identifying routes for advocacy. Students will gain practice in identifying linguistically and culturally appropriate classroom materials that build on student and community assets, as well as design principles grounded in contemporary understandings of second language acquisition. In this class we will also begin exploring bias in assessment, curriculum, and pedagogy. A 10-hour minimum required service learning experience will support these goals by providing opportunities to bring theory and practice into conversation.

Prerequisites & Notes: MLE 541 or MLE program director permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter