Multilingualism in U.S. Schools: Treating Language as a Resource for Instruction and Parent Involvement

Abstract

Incorporating children's native languages into the curriculum can make these languages integral to the learning process. A responsive, language‐rich curriculum sets the stage for creative and effective communication and learning. It is rooted in sharing expertise and experiences that use multiple avenues of communication. Children learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing. They also learn to take risks, construct meanings, and reinterpret knowledge with realistic social contexts. Language learning, sharing, and retention are tools and resources that make learning more meaningful and are the essence of the additive or enrichment model as opposed to the counterproductive remedial or deficit model.

∗Dr. Stein's professional perspectives are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Education.

Notes

∗Dr. Stein's professional perspectives are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Education.