The (Dis)inclusion of Latina/o Interests from Utah’s Dual Language Education Boom

ABSTRACT

Utah’s state planned model of dual language education has grown and spread rapidly. Drawing on critical race theory and LatCrit, we examined state policy documents and promotional materials for their discursive portrayal of Latinas/os. Our analysis revealed a pattern of centering the interests of the White, English-dominant majority and those without an ethnic connection to the target language, while marginalizing or silencing Latina/o interests. Implications for dual language education stakeholders are discussed.

Keywords:

• Critical race theory
• dual language education
• LatCrit
• Latina/o educational policy