Category: Community Development

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The Bilingual Revolution in Washington, DC

Back from DC where I proudly supported the efforts of DC Immersion and its wonderful team in what is now referred to as the Bilingual Revolution in DC. During these three days, I took part in no less than 9 events and talked about my book, the role of parents in creating dual language programs, and how these could benefit DC public schools. I stopped by in all 8 Wards and met with community leaders, elected officials, motivated parents, and bilingual educators, while explaining how NYC parents and educators have created new dual language programs in a dozen of languages.

Continue reading “The Bilingual Revolution in Washington, DC”

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Documentary On the Way to School

We often forget that school is a gift. The story of these four children will make you appreciate this fact. It will also touch your heart. Here is why you should watch ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL. Below, I have also listed several activities for the classroom and for home, as well as theaters where you can catch the movie.

ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL features 4 children who live in different corners of the world, but who share the same thirst for learning. They understand that only education will allow them a better future and that is why every day, they must set out on the long and perilous journey that will lead them to knowledge. Continue reading “Documentary On the Way to School”

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Institutionalization of French Heritage language Education in U.S. School Systems: the French Heritage language Program in The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Language Education

I co-wrote a chapter in the newly issued Routledge Handbook of Heritage Language Education with Jane Ross and Benoît Le Dévédec: Institutionalization of French Heritage language Education in U.S. School Systems, the French Heritage language Program. Continue reading “Institutionalization of French Heritage language Education in U.S. School Systems: the French Heritage language Program in The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Language Education”

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Burlington, VT: A City’s Strategy to Develop Economically through Language Education

I was interviewed by Steve Norman for a Burlington cable TV channel. The City Council of Burlington, VT is promoting French friendliness towards its visitors, and a French dual language program is being considered for one of the local elementary schools. I spoke about my background in bilingual education, presented a few examples of dual language programs in Utah, Massachusetts, and New York, and talked about the Bilingual Revolution -both the movement and the book that I am currently writing. I also discussed various options to consider when implementing a French dual language program. Continue reading “Burlington, VT: A City’s Strategy to Develop Economically through Language Education”

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French Heritage Language Vitality in the United States

French heritage language speakers in the United States face multiple challenges as they attempt to maintain French as a living language, despite the fact that French is one of the most commonly studied foreign languages in the country (second in the list of most common languages offered in elementary and secondary schools after Spanish, and before Latin, German, and Chinese). The case of French is particularly interesting, because French heritage language speakers represent several distinct geographic populations and different historical circumstances, from recent immigrants to settlements dating back several centuries. Franco-Americans and Acadians in Maine and Cajuns in Louisiana serve as examples of revitalization efforts to protect and encourage the vitality of French as an indigenous language. Continue reading “French Heritage Language Vitality in the United States”