Advocacy
Dual Language Education provides a multilingual/multicultural enrichment education
for both native English and English learner
families and their children.
Although family and community involvement is important for all schools and educational programs, it is particularly important for dual language programs.
Since program and instructional decisions should always include the perspective of dual language families and the community, it is essential that proponents of Dual Language Education be well versed in what the aims and objectives of the program really are and what the basic components look like. DLeNM offers a variety of opportunities for families and community as part of its mission.
New Mexico State Partnerships
NM Coalition for the Majority
DLeNM is a proud member and supporter of the New Mexico Coalition for the Majority. To date, this coalition has focused their attention on two important issues that support linguistic and cultural minority issues in our state:
HB 330
State Seal for Bilingual and Biliterate Graduates – joining Californians Together and a handful of other U.S. States, New Mexico has passed and signed into law an act that finally validates and celebrates the linguistic and socio-cultural skills and talents of our students, including those students who are graduating from K-12 Dual Language Education programs across New Mexico.
HB 373/SB 470
ELL Teacher Preparation Act – presented to NM Legislature in February 2015, the bill has not yet been signed into law, but it has created bipartisan support for an identified need. Presently New Mexico suffers a shortage of 6500+ highly qualified teachers (TESOL or Bilingual Endorsed) to serve a linguistic and cultural minority population that makes up 72% of the entire NM Student Population
NM Hispanic Education Act
DLeNM believes in the content and promise of this historical document. Presently DLeNM members support the HEA Council, and the development of a strategic plan that promises to realize the strategic goals of the Hispanic Education Act.
Ben Ray Lujan Leadership and Public Policy Institute
Founded by the Center of the Education and Study of Diverse Populations-NM Highlands University, DLeNM supports the mission and goals of this historic center, names for our beloved Speaker of the House, Representative Ben Lujan.
National Partnerships
DLeNM partners with some of the top advocates for dual language education in the U.S. to promote the development of leadership in the areas of bilingual, multicultural education, and the support for emerging bilingual students, teachers and leaders