Nationwide, there is an educational reform effort underway that holds the power to change how we as Americans perceive literacy forever. This movement addresses implementation of true cultural pluralism in the classroom. In doing so the seal of biliteracy seeks to remediate loss of language and culture of non-English speakers assimilating to American culture and the English language as well as to provide to all students the opportunity to cultivate both linguistic and cultural knowledge other than their own. The state seal of biliteracy was established first in California in 2011 in collaboration with Californians Together, an organization that advocates securing equal access to a quality education for each and every child. It provides to
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Literacy can be used as a tool to validate this claim. The relatively basic theory of functional literacy (defined as “using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop knowledge and potential.” (Kirsch et al. 1993 p.2)) describes the level of literacy necessary to function at a very basic level within society. Functional literacy is a more encompassing approach, and one step up from the conventional definition of literacy (the ability to read and write… often only one’s name) in the order of practicality, but all things considered, still a very limited definition. However the evaluation of functional literacy in today’s society must consider the global nature of daily interactions. American culture today is certainly that of a melting pot, many times business conducted here, art appreciated here, or instructions given here are not in English. From a cultural perspective, or purely a linguistic one, there are many aspects of today’s society that rely on input from other cultures. The seal of biliterate proficiency provided by many school boards prepares students for interactions with these external influences in a way previously unavailable. The intensive multilingual instruction that precedes acquisition of a state seal makes sure that students will be able to communicate far beyond basic interrogative prose, and enable …show more content…
For the Athenians, the aim was tailoring reason and virtue, for many today, the aim is wholeness of self and economic prosperity. Regardless of which view is referenced, the seal of biliteracy offered today by fifteen states in the US supports wholeness of education, especially in today’s global economy. “Literacy is individually and collectively more valuable in certain political and cultural environments—for example, where there is a free, uncensored press, public libraries, affordable books, and freedom of information legislation. One must, in order to succeed in a globalized world, exhibit a capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and function effectively in different cultural circles.” ( Levine, K., Functional Literacy: Fond Illusions and False Economies) State seals of biliteracy certify that one has accomplished just this, provide an intensive, culturally plural education and inform perspective employers of literacy accomplishments. The fact that more states have not embraced these seals is truly a surprise to
Literacy can be used as a tool to validate this claim. The relatively basic theory of functional literacy (defined as “using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop knowledge and potential.” (Kirsch et al. 1993 p.2)) describes the level of literacy necessary to function at a very basic level within society. Functional literacy is a more encompassing approach, and one step up from the conventional definition of literacy (the ability to read and write… often only one’s name) in the order of practicality, but all things considered, still a very limited definition. However the evaluation of functional literacy in today’s society must consider the global nature of daily interactions. American culture today is certainly that of a melting pot, many times business conducted here, art appreciated here, or instructions given here are not in English. From a cultural perspective, or purely a linguistic one, there are many aspects of today’s society that rely on input from other cultures. The seal of biliterate proficiency provided by many school boards prepares students for interactions with these external influences in a way previously unavailable. The intensive multilingual instruction that precedes acquisition of a state seal makes sure that students will be able to communicate far beyond basic interrogative prose, and enable …show more content…
For the Athenians, the aim was tailoring reason and virtue, for many today, the aim is wholeness of self and economic prosperity. Regardless of which view is referenced, the seal of biliteracy offered today by fifteen states in the US supports wholeness of education, especially in today’s global economy. “Literacy is individually and collectively more valuable in certain political and cultural environments—for example, where there is a free, uncensored press, public libraries, affordable books, and freedom of information legislation. One must, in order to succeed in a globalized world, exhibit a capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and function effectively in different cultural circles.” ( Levine, K., Functional Literacy: Fond Illusions and False Economies) State seals of biliteracy certify that one has accomplished just this, provide an intensive, culturally plural education and inform perspective employers of literacy accomplishments. The fact that more states have not embraced these seals is truly a surprise to