Online Resources for Bilingual Education
National Association for Bilingual Education- Office of English Language Acquisition
- ¡Colorín, Colorado!
- Intercultural Development Research Association
- FrameWorks Institute Report on Dual Language Learners
We currently live in a glorious era of cultural exchange. Learning other languages has become trendy instead of tedious, and many schools in the United States are implementing bilingual curriculum for all students. Most importantly, people are passionate about assisting students for whom English is not their first language, rather than continuing to shuffle them along and fall further and further behind. Bilingual education is blooming into a large and dynamic career field of its own. As we navigate our way through these exciting new developments, it helps to have online resources such as these five to guide us.
National Association for Bilingual Education
As the leading organization for the advocacy of bilingual and multilingual students, the website for the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) is the first stop you should make on your online informational journey. Here you will find a plethora of research findings, advocacy initiatives, services for sale, and online trainings. When you are ready to take your adventure offline, you can attend one of the NABE events, including the popular annual conference.
Office of English Language Acquisition
It is always a good idea to stay abreast of what the government is doing for your field. The Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) is the branch of the U.S. Department of Education dedicated specifically to bilingual education. Its website is full of information regarding laws and policies that are both in place and under debate, cases making national news, current data and statistics, and programs and initiatives you might be interested in joining.
¡Colorín, Colorado!
If you need a fun online resource for kids, parents, and teachers, look no further than ¡Colorín, Colorado! The Spanish version of “And they all lived happily ever after,”Colorín, Colorado” is what you say to mark the completion of a story with a happy ending, something that all bilingual and multilingual kids are trying to do as they become fluent in English and gain a firm standing in both of their cultures. This website offers games, books, and tools for teachers and schools.
Intercultural Development Research Association
Language is one of the primary elements of culture. Bilingual education is therefore cultural education by its very nature. The website for the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) is an excellent resource for remaining up to date on the studies driving cultural exchange in the classroom. Current public policy, resources especially for families, and information about events are just a few of the offerings you will enjoy.
FrameWorks Institute Report on Dual Language Learners
One of the biggest challenges in bilingual education is how to bridge the gaps between expert research findings and public practice. The most recent FrameWorks Institute Report on Dual Language Learners provides a great deal of insight on how educators can implement cutting edge knowledge in their work with students. For those who enjoy contributing to the greater body of research, the report reveals new questions to be addressed in future studies.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Master’s in English Language Learning Online
In today’s increasingly multicultural society, bilingual education is more important than ever. With this field constantly changing to fit the needs of multilingual students and their families, it is crucial for bilingual educators to have a variety of resources at their fingertips. Book marking online resources such as these five is a great way to maintain a well-rounded digital toolbox for yourself and your students.
