Parental Perspectives on Dual Language Classrooms

Abstract

Although limited research studies exist on African-Americans in dual language programs in general, even less exist on African American parents' experiences within dual language programs. In this chapter, we present the voices of nine African-American parents. These voices serve as a lens to understand the ways in which the program impacted these parents' homes and the lives of their children. The data was gathered within the first two years of a dual language program. Each of the families was interviewed twice across two years. Three major findings emerged. First, the capital that students gained in school impacted the adults at home. Second, these new home interactions based on students' school learning influenced parents' and students' views of themselves and their community. Third, in the home and in the community, ambivalence was reflected regarding learning basic school concepts in a second language. This study captures the tug and pulls associated with families wanting to provide their children with the best opportunities within a racialized society.