Multilingualism, Identity and Diversity in the Early Years

​Sixth Meeting: July 8-10, 2015, Washington DC (USA)

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the advantages and disadvantages of current models of education, such as bilingual education and second language immersion, in multilingual settings through both practical and theoretical lenses of culture, identity and integration
  • Analyze the competencies, policies and resources necessary to effectively support second language learners in their early years
  • Explore new strategies that are successfully addressing current social realities in the context of the “super diversity”, as opposed to bi-culturalism, experienced in many urban schools across the EU and the US through the training of caretakers, teachers, administrators and leaders and the creation of a receptive and inclusive school or program culture
  • Learn about the reframing of the issue of language minority learners from a strengths rather than a deficit approach both in classroom practice and in the public discourse, and identify opportunities and strategies to build support for improved services for children from migrant and low-income backgrounds


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