THE BILINGUAL EDUCATION DEBATE
A Simulation and Role-playing Activity
Jill Kerper Mora, Ed.D.
San Diego State University
Purpose
This simulation and role-playing activity is designed for teacher education courses in preparation of candidates for the Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Credential and/or the bilingual credential (BCLAD). This role play is a required component of Dr. Mora's ED 516 Foundations of Bilingual Education course. The purpose of the activity is to provide students the opportunity to examine multiple perspectives on the education students who are classified as limited in English proficiency (LEP). Students take on the role of a member of the community of interested parties in the effective implementation of laws governing programs for language minority students.
In preparing for the simulated school board meeting of the fictional city of Calidale, California teacher candidates grapple with the real-life issues confronting school boards, administrators, teachers, parents and community members. Teacher candidates utilize online resources through sites linked to this web page to prepare for informed and insightful participation in this simulation activity. They work in cooperative groups to carry out the tasks according to the roles they are assigned for the activity.
ED 516 teacher education students are assigned roles at random, which in some cases requires them to examine the issues of language minority education from a viewpoint that may not coincide with their current opinions or beliefs. In this way, they engage in critical thinking about these important issues that affect their preparation and performance as a CLAD credentialed teacher.
The Scenario in Calidale
It is August 1998. In the primary election in June, Proposition 227 passed by a majority vote. The law mandates restructuring of the way in which school districts educate language minority students classified as limited English proficient (LEP).
In Calidale, California the School Board has scheduled a meeting to present a plan for compliance with Proposition 227 to the community. Members of the community have been informed about the upcoming meeting and are preparing to express their views and concerns to the School Board.
Calidale is a community of 35,000 inhabitants located in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. The community is ethnically mixed, with 25% of the population of comprised of first-, second-, and third-generation residents of Mexican descent. Another three percent is made up of Asian families. There is a small population of Blacks and other native-born American minorities. The community has a growing service and technology-based economy, but its predominant industry is agriculture. The school district has six elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school.
For resources for understanding and analyzing the controversy surrounding bilingual education and the legal and policy issues in implementing Proposition 227, click here.
A Road Map to the Bilingual Education Debate
The Community of Calidale
Students are assigned to work in groups of six to eight to prepare for the upcoming Calidale School Board Meeting. Each group assumes a role to prepare a presentation before the School Board. The presentation includes description of a way for the policy board to satisfactorily address the groups' concerns regarding implementation of Proposition 227.
The interest groups involved in the Calidale School Board Meeting are:
Members of the School Board
The School BoardMembers of the Calidale School Board have the following tasks:
To examine the Regulations for Proposition 227 from the California State Board of Education (November 1998) to determine the implementation issues to be addressed in the upcoming school board meeting. Click here for guidelines for effective program implementation to include in the discussion. These broad areas should be addressed
Procedures for identification, placement and redesignation of limited English proficient students
Administrators' Task
The task of administrators of the Calidale School District is as follows:
Teachers' Task
The task of bilingual, English as a second language and mainstream teachers is as follows:
Parents and Community Members
The task of the groups of parents and community members in support of, and in opposition to, Proposition 227 is as follows:
Click here for a module on Critical Thinking in the Bilingual Education Debate. The module includes a page on a Power Point slide show to guide you through a critical thinking and analysis paradigm and examples of arguments in the debate for identifying fallacies.
Navigating Dr. Mora's CLAD Website
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Philosophical
Assumptions of English-only vs. |
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Age of
Enlightenment: |
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