Language education policy; critical social theory; bilingual education and TESOL; transnationalism; Latino education
Nelson Flores studies how children learn language, and how schools help or harm bilingual students with their policies. He’s found that schools often do not build on the bilingualism of students. He works with teachers to show how skills in languages other than English are actually building blocks for academic growth. He advises the School District of Philadelphia as it replaces transitional Spanish-to-English language programs with dual language programs that give both languages equal weight, and he continues to work directly with Philadelphia bilingual teachers to develop Common Core-aligned instruction. Flores has also worked on various initiatives related to the implications of the Common Core standards for bilingual education. He is also an expert in teaching English Language Learners.
Alan Ruby writes about the importance of investing in not only physical infrastructure, but also in human capital in order to maximize the success of China’s Belt and Rod initiative.
Joni Finney explains the growing trend in statewide initiatives for free community college and some positive results of Promise programs enacted in Tennessee.