Disrupting the Monolingual Bias
A Framework for Teacher Advocacy
Empower multilingual learners and challenge deficit thinking now!
About the book
Through real-life stories and sociolinguistic analysis, this guide provides the tools to transform classrooms and schools into spaces that celebrate multilingualism and
foster biliteracy.
Multilingual learners (MLs) deserve more than assimilation—they deserve equity, empowerment, and celebration of their full linguistic repertoires and identities. This groundbreaking book uncovers how deficit ideologies about language perpetuate assimilationist practices that harm MLs’ heritage languages, cultural identities, and equitable opportunities for academic success. Through real-life stories and sociolinguistic analysis, author Dr. Lillian Ardell provides the tools to transform classrooms and schools into spaces that celebrate multilingualism and foster biliteracy, even in places where deficit thinking about MLs determines instructional practices and outcomes.
Rooted in research and supported by actionable strategies, this book calls on educators to evolve as advocates, inspiring them to shift their mindsets and practices to nurture bilingualism and biliteracy. Features include:
Detailed exploration of the "Monolingual Bias" and how it operates within policies, curricula, and classrooms
Insights into five "Disruptor Archetypes" to help educators identify their advocacy roles
Real-life "Disruption Stories" offering inspiration and strategies for combating the Monolingual Bias
Self-reflection tools like the "Small Brave Moments Quiz" to guide professional growth
A call to action for educators ready to challenge deficit mindsets and champion multilingualism in their schools, Disrupting the Monolingual Bias offers educators the tools they need to dismantle harmful practices and create classrooms that honor and uplift MLs.
“This book is a must-read for anyone serving culturally and linguistically diverse student communities. By weaving research with the very personal, transparent, and inspiring anecdotes of leaders in our field, Dr. Ardell manages to illuminate the continued harms of linguistic oppression, while also providing needed tools to engage in the courageous dismantling of educational systems that continue to marginalize some of our most vulnerable students.”
Dr. José Medina, Educational Advocate, Dr. José Medina Educational Solutions
“A true awakening for all teachers who work with multilingual learners and their families. Ardell passionately defends multilingualism from a personal, collective, and institutional stance. This is a volume that should not sit on a bookshelf but rather inspire you to rethink spaces for infusing multilingualism in your context and join the compelling cause of Disrupting the Monolingual Bias.”
-Dr. Margo Gottlieb, co-founder WIDA
Outline
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About the Author
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