Perspectives on Multilingual Learners in US Schools

Catalog description

Students in Rhode Island’s public schools report speaking over 100 different languages and, in our urban core public schools, nearly 30% of students are designated as Multilingual Learners (MLLs). How are their languages integrated into school? This course investigates how school programs, pedagogies, and practices can either build upon or limit home languages that are inherently present in the classroom. By focusing on the experiences of MLLs in Rhode Island and the broader US public school system, we will consider these essential questions: Who are MLLs? How do historical milestones, federal laws, state policies, and pedagogical practices affect their experiences in school? What are current promising practices for MLLs? What are perspectives of students, families, educators, and policymakers concerning challenges and opportunities for Multilingual Learners?