Book chapter
An analysis of Seal of Biliteracy implementation in U.S. states
Languages for All: Reclaim the Joy!, pp.123-143
The Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Report, 2024, Robert M. Terry
2024
Abstract
Challenge Statement. The Seal of Biliteracy is widespread in the U.S, yet few studies examined its cross-state implementation through direct analysis of texts that function as policy guidance. This study serves to fill this gap by exploring the implementation of the Seal within a neoliberal context through the analysis of policy texts.
Abstract. The Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) is widely implemented to honor and recognize high school graduates who have demonstrated language proficiency in English and one or more other world languages. Exploring the SoBL policy texts from five state —California, New Jersey, Iowa, North Dakota, and Montana—this study investigates how the SoBL is implemented across these states and analyzes the academic and career prospects for recipients of the SoBL within neoliberal discourse. Additionally, this study explores the potential inequalities that multilingual learners might still confront, particularly in terms of valuing their language backgrounds and ensuring equitable language education for them. This study employs horizontal intertextuality to analyze the language in the SoBL policy texts from five states, aiming to reveal how the SoBL is implemented within different contexts. Findings indicate inequitable practices, mainly evident through additional requirements for English proficiency tests and the lack of language assessments for multilingual learners. Such practices may lead to the marginalization of these students, as languages considered more economically valuable are prioritized within a neoliberal discourse. Moreover, the study highlights how the SoBL is often portrayed as a credential for enhancing career opportunities in a global economy. In light of these findings, there is a need for a more equitable approach in implementing the SoBL to ensure all students have fair access and guarantee that every recipient can benefit from what the SoBL has to offer.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An analysis of Seal of Biliteracy implementation in U.S. states
- Creators
- Bing Gao - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Cassandra Glynn (Editor) - Concordia College - MinnesotaAllison J. Spenader (Editor) - College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Languages for All: Reclaim the Joy!, pp.123-143
- Series
- The Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Report; 2024
- Publisher
- Robert M. Terry; Ashland, Virginia
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2024. Posted with permission.
- Comment
- Part of a refereed volume of selected papers based on the theme of The Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2024
- Academic Unit
- Teaching and Learning
- Record Identifier
- 9984847526102771
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