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ERIC Number: EJ1327534
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Dec
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-8566
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Towards Social Justice and Equity in English as an Additional Language (EAL) Policies: The Agency of Immigrant Parents in Language Policy Advocacy in Alberta Schools
International Review of Education, v67 n6 p811-832 Dec 2021
In the context of Canada's reliance on immigration for social and economic development, an effective language policy for migrant students is essential for educational systems. However, existing language policy research puts little emphasis on parental agency, particularly immigrant parents. The qualitative study presented here therefore explored how immigrant parents advocated for more equitable English as an Additional Language (EAL) policies and practices in Alberta, Canada. Through document analysis, interviews with 35 immigrant parents and community members as well as two focus group discussions involving parents and policymakers, this study found that many immigrant parents engaged in intentional informal learning (e.g. workshops, role playing) to acquire knowledge of the EAL system and develop advocacy strategies. Exercising parental agency on behalf of their children, they undertook various collaborative as well as individualised strategies to influence EAL policies. This study challenges the deficit perspective and suggests there is a need to recognise immigrant parents as informed policymakers and engage them as collaborators in decision-making to transform schools and educational systems towards educational equity and justice.
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A