what is the monolingual bias?
The Monolingual Bias refers to a set of deficit ideologies within the US public educational system that promotes this singular narrative- English Learners must acquire academic English at all costs. This accelerated pressure to acquire English is done in the service of an obvious need for bilingual learners to assimilate to a U.S. monoculture. Language is seen as either the barrier to entry or the golden key to unlocking the American Dream.
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What are the consequences if we don’t disrupt the bias?
The consequences are significant. First, you face a heightened risk of burnout due to the relentless exposure to discouraging messages and instances of inequality you observe as a passive bystander. Second, our MLLs' academic performance will remain stagnant or even decline. And third students will begin to internalize a narrative that they are inherently flawed, resulting in lower self-worth and potentially harmful internal dialogue.
Take this case about Manuel, a Mexican-American 4th grade student in a rural mountain state school district. It was the beginning-of-year writing assessment and Manuel was asked: “If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be? Why would you want to be this person?” Most kids wrote about the President or a fire-fighter. Not Manuel, and his choice will make your heart shatter. (source: Butilvosky, Escamilla & Hopewell, 2023):
While Manuel does need phonics support, any reader can see his message has clear structure and a tender voice. He uses his voice to signal, “I’m quite aware of my academic status in school, and I feel ashamed.”
The Monolingual Bias positions Manuel as incapable, slow and in need of serious remediation. It would have Manuel removed from a dual language classroom into either a remedial track or (worse) referred for special education services.
What are the consequences if we don’t disrupt the bias?
The consequences are significant. First, you face a heightened risk of burnout due to the relentless exposure to discouraging messages and instances of inequality you observe as a passive bystander. Second, our MLLs' academic performance will remain stagnant or even decline. And third students will begin to internalize a narrative that they are inherently flawed, resulting in lower self-worth and potentially harmful internal dialogue.
Take this case about Manuel, a Mexican-American 4th grade student in a rural mountain state school district. It was the beginning-of-year writing assessment and Manuel was asked: “If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be? Why would you want to be this person?” Most kids wrote about the President or a fire-fighter. Not Manuel, and his choice will make your heart shatter. (source: Butilvosky, Escamilla & Hopewell, 2023):
While Manuel does need phonics support, any reader can see his message has clear structure and a tender voice. He uses his voice to signal, “I’m quite aware of my academic status in school, and I feel ashamed.”
The Monolingual Bias positions Manuel as incapable, slow and in need of serious remediation. It would have Manuel removed from a dual language classroom into either a remedial track or (worse) referred for special education services.
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