Disrupting the Monolingual Bias

Empower multilingual learners and challenge deficit thinking now

Multilingual learners (MLs) deserve more than assimilation—they deserve equity, empowerment, and celebration of their full linguistic repertoires and identities. This groundbreaking book uncovers how deficit ideologies about language perpetuate assimilationist practices that harm MLs’ heritage languages, cultural identities, and equitable opportunities for academic success. Through real-life stories and sociolinguistic analysis, author Dr. Lillian Ardell provides the tools to transform classrooms and schools into spaces that celebrate multilingualism and foster biliteracy, even in places where deficit thinking about MLs determines instructional practices and outcomes.

Rooted in research and supported by actionable strategies, this book calls on educators to evolve as advocates, inspiring them to shift their mindsets and practices to nurture bilingualism and biliteracy. Features include:

• Detailed exploration of the "Monolingual Bias" and how it operates within policies, curricula, and classrooms
• Insights into five "Disruptor Archetypes" to help educators identify their advocacy roles
• Real-life "Disruption Stories" offering inspiration and strategies for combating the Monolingual Bias
• Self-reflection tools like the "Small Brave Moments Quiz" to guide professional growth

A call to action for educators ready to challenge deficit mindsets and champion multilingualism in their schools, Disrupting the Monolingual Bias offers educators the tools they need to dismantle harmful practices and create classrooms that honor and uplift MLs.