Transforming Policies for Language & Literacies

3 units

When K12 educators plan to establish curricula, lessons, or even to set up new schools, they are responding to policies that influence their decisions and also affect learners’ future in local, national, and global contexts. This course provides K12 educators with an introduction to the field of language planning and policy, which is situated in the broader field of sociology of language. It develops educators’ knowledge and critical awareness about language and literacy policy and planning efforts. Over the semester, students will consider selected case studies in U.S. educational contexts which provide a basis for examining issues such as: language education policies, the interface of ideology with language planning, family language planning, multidialectal literacy movements, policies for assessment and special education, as well as language shift and death in local communities. Contemplation of these studies will support teachers and school leaders to effectively design curriculum development or research projects that advocate for changes to current policy or planning efforts, doing so in service to the culturally and linguistically diverse learners in their schools.