New Mexico¡¯s rich linguistic and cultural resources must be developed as assets. Four decades of research provide a road map for developing a multilingual, multicultural citizenry. Providing an enriched multilingual education combined with high expectations has the greatest potential to close the achievement gap and prepare students for success in the 21st century (Collier & Thomas, 2009; Ram¨ªrez et al., 1991; Goldenberg, 2009). In addition to academic and career benefits, bilinguals possess increased cognitive flexibility and enriched problem-solving skills.
Dual Language Education of New Mexico (DLeNM) stands in solidarity with all of their community, no matter the race, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, or class. They believe that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity and ALL children deserve, and should receive, equitable access to high-quality education.
Each year, DLeNM hosts an annual conference in November, La Cosecha (the Harvest). This conference draws thousands of bilingual educators from across the United States to share in best practices for dual language bilingual education. Here at RBERN West, we are so proud that DLeNM reached out this year to ask our very own Claribel Gonz¨¢lez to be one of their featured speakers.
Her November 11th session, Coding as Language: Amplifying Multiliteracies and Computational Thinking in Dual Language Education, features the work she has accomplished with dual language educators at School 33 in Buffalo, NY.
In her presentation, Claribel asks, ¡°Can a coding platform serve as a vehicle to promote and expand the development of students¡¯ languages, multiliteracies, and advocacy for quality 21st century education?¡± Her participants explored the journey of dual language learners utilizing a coding platform to create projects and games that amplify their experiences while simultaneously developing their languages and computational thinking skills. Participants reflected on creating future visions that respond to the shifts of our world and begin to transform dual language spaces as we continue to define education in the 21st century.
This is just one more accomplishment in a series of professional successes Claribel has achieved in recent years. She is also the renowned illustrator of several professional texts that feature her impactful and artistic sketchnotes, including titles such as Collaboration and Co-Teaching for Dual Language Learners (2023), Co-Planning: Five Essential Practices to Integrate Curriculum and Instruction for English Leaners (2022), and From Equity Insights to Action: Critical Strategies for Teaching Multilingual Learners (2022).
The RBERN team values growth, innovation, and continuous improvement. We are grateful that Claribel¡¯s innovative thinking pushes everyone to imagine what students can do when they are provided rich experiences and nurturing support.
