TABE NOTICIAS

Here is another captivating performance from the exceptionally talented group.

“Adiós” by Eduardo A. Rocha.

Queridos miembros y amigos de TABE,

Spring is in the air, and so is the excitement for all that TABE has in store for you! We're thrilled to invite you to a diverse range of events designed to empower, connect, and celebrate our vibrant bilingual community in Texas.

Sharpen your skills and stay informed with TABE Talks! These free monthly webinars offer insightful discussions on timely topics relevant to bilingual educators and advocates. See you on Zoom the last Tuesday of every month!

Deepen your knowledge and network at the 3rd Annual Dual Language Virtual Symposium! Mark your calendars for June 10-11 for this immersive online experience focused on best practices and innovative approaches in dual language education with internationally renowned experts and practitioners to tackle the challenge of the Science of Teaching Reading in Dual Language.

Launching at the end of April, the New Bilingual Directors Mentorship Academy provides invaluable guidance and support to new bilingual program directors, fostering their leadership potential and providing them with invaluable networking opportunities.

Invite your bilingual parents to participate in the Family Advocacy and Community Empowerment Academy, starting in April! Parents will participate in 2-hr online sessions every month to build upon their knowledge and skills to better understand the power of bilingualism and how to better advocate for their children and their families.

Calling all future bilingual educators! Join us for the BESO Spring Leadership Institute in San Antonio on April 20th. This event is specifically designed for undergraduate students who are members of the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) and will equip them with valuable leadership skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities.

Save the date for the 52nd Annual TABE Conference! Join us at the Kalahari in Round Rock on October 17-20 for a dynamic conference centered around the theme "Explorando el panorama multilingüe: Discovering and Unleashing the Power of Languages and Cultures". This year's conference promises to be a vibrant exploration of multilingualism, offering exceptional opportunities for professional development, networking, and inspiration. The call for proposals is now open, so share your expertise and contribute to this impactful event.

Also, join TABE in our advocacy efforts by reviewing our 2024 Legislative Agenda!

And don't forget about TABE's Seal of Biliteracy Trajectories (en español)! This program recognizes and celebrates the biliteracy achievements of students across Texas, from Prekindergarten all the way to Graduate school!

For more information and registration details about all these exciting events, please visit our website at www.tabe.org or connect with us on social media at @TA4BE.

We look forward to connecting with you and fostering a thriving bilingual education landscape together!

Mil gracias,

Karina E. Chapa, M.Ed.

Executive Director

Texas Association for Bilingual Education

Hola Dear TABE Members,

It's March and Spring Time is here! I hope you all are doing well and enjoyed some well-deserved time off during your Spring Break! Thank you for all you do to empower bilingual students and their families as teachers, campus administrators, district leaders, ESC Representatives, families, and community members. TABE is working diligently to ensure that we will continue to create spaces alongside each of you to amplify the voices of all the students we serve statewide.

Throughout this past year, the organization has welcomed new chapters across Texas, which means more support for our members, students, and families. Hence, this makes our TABE familia even bigger and stronger as we collectively work toward building a more empowered bilingual community. Stay in touch, as we are scaling our reach and bringing you more professional learning opportunities with monthly TABE Talks, connecting with families, BESO Institute, supporting new bilingual leaders, and much more. We are excited about TABE's 3rd Dual Language Symposium happening on June 10th-11th. Join us as we listen to the science of teaching reading for bilingual students in dual language schools!

I am proud to continue to serve you and work towards navigating the bilingual education landscape as changes around us whether social, technological, economic, or political rise. Juntos saldremos adelante to provide increased professional learning for educators, families, and communities and lead to equitable opportunities for bilingual students and their families.

Looking forward to seeing you in any of our TABE connections!

Take Care and see you soon!

¡Mil gracias!

Dr. Xóchitl Anabel Rocha

TABE President

Hola TABE Familia,

My name is Dr. Olivia Hernández, and this year, I’m honored to be serving as the TABE Instructional & Professional Development Committee Chair. I am also the Central Region representative for the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE). Professional learning has always been a love of mine, and at TABE we are proud to be serving teachers, school leaders, parents, and the community with ample learning opportunities this year. We all know how important it is to be continuously learning and to be up to date with new research in our field. As the Handbook of Dual Language Bilingual education informs us, decades of research have emphasized the critical role that well-prepared and committed teachers and school leaders play in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of bilingual/dual language programs.

Professional development in bilingual education goes beyond mere language instruction. It encompasses the implementation of effective teaching strategies and creation of inclusive learning environments that celebrate the nuances of linguistic and cultural identity. By supporting robust professional development for bilingual education, TABE is helping ensure that educators, administrators, and other stakeholders are equipped to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their linguistic or cultural backgrounds.

TABE is committed to empowering educators to leverage students’ linguistic and cultural diversity as a strength rather than a barrier, fostering positive learning environments where every voice is valued. Together, we can enhance educator efficacy to improve academic outcomes for emergent bilingual students.

We have been hard at work preparing TABE Talks! that have been developed and tailored to meet the unique needs of bilingual educators working in bilingual settings. We hope you can join us at some of the following engagement opportunities to enhance your skills and expertise to ensure every student, regardless of their linguistic background, receives the quality education they deserve.

February 27, 2024: Unlocking Opportunities with the Seal of Biliteracy Trajectories

March 26, 2024: Unleashing the Power of the Bilingual Gifted Brain

April 30, 2024: Serving Bilingual Learners with Special Needs Equitably

May 28, 2024: Preparing for the Future: Bilingual Education and Career Readiness

June 25, 2024: Building Community Partnerships for Bilingual Education

July 30, 2024: Exploring Effective Use of Technology in Bilingual Classrooms

August 27, 2024: Diving into Assessment and Evaluation in Bilingual Education

September 24, 2024: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the Embassy of Spain in Houston

October 29, 2024: 2024 Conference Highlights and TABE Membership Benefits

November 19, 2024: Building Strong Bilingual Teacher-Student Relationships

December 17, 2024: Sharing Dual Language Program Implementation and Success Stories

January 28, 2025: Promoting Parent Advocacy in Bilingual Education

The Instructional & Professional Development committee has also been diligently working on organizing the 3rd Dual Language Symposium that will take place June 10-11, 2024. The guest speakers have just been announced, and we are excited to have two full days of professional development around research, policy and best practice for dual language immersion programs from a fantastic lineup of practitioners and experts in the field of dual language education.

Additionally, you will be hearing more about the opportunities for bilingual and ESL teachers to be celebrated and honored at the 2024 TABE Conference in October. Texas has the best bilingual/ESL teachers in the nation, and we thoroughly enjoy highlighting the Bilingual and ESL teachers of the year at the TABE conference every year. So, be on the lookout for announcements from your regional affiliate (Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, etc.) to nominate bilingual and ESL teachers for your region. The winners of each region will compete for the state bilingual and teacher of the year award.

Mil gracias a todos,

Dr. Olivia Hernández

TABE Instructional & Professional Development Committee Chair

We invite our bilingual education community to embark on a data-driven journey, exploring the rich tapestry of Emergent Bilingual data from the state. By visiting the Texas Education Agency's website (https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/student-data/standard-reports/peims-standard-reports), you can access invaluable resources to create comprehensive reports and conduct data analysis. This treasure trove of information will empower educators and administrators to enhance their bilingual and ESL programs, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Hola tod@s!

Estoy muy emocionada de poder compartir con ustedes diferentes técnicas y estrategias qué puedan ayudarles durante este semestre y en el futuro. Me imagino que por ahorita estan entrando o saliendo de midterm season. Les mando mucha energia positiva mientras sigan trabajando adelante. Y con eso les quiero compartir unos tips y strategies que han servido para mi y mis compañer@s.

1. 45 Minute-Method

1. I learned about this in my Cognition, Human Learning, and Motivation class. Lo que se tiene que hacer es: set your timer for 45 minutes and then take a 5-10 minute break and repeat. It works best to do it for about 3-4 rounds and then get a 30-minute to an hour break. This gives you time to get lunch, walk around, or change scenery.

2. Study Spaces

1. It can be difficult to focus in certain areas that are too crowded or too quiet, to the point where I can hear my breathing. Pero cada quien tiene su preferencia. In order to study using the method above, or if you have your ownmethod, it's important to find at least 3 study spots around campus that help you move between sessions and scenery. This way your body and mind refresh and don’t burn out as quickly.

3. Group Studying

1. Working together is always better. I've learned that group studying is beneficial when done correctly. And although we always like a bit of time para hablar, it's important to create good group study habits. If studying on the same topic/class after doing the 45-minute method for 3-4 rounds and a break, coming back to teach each other the information is a huge help. It helps us memorize the material with different methods we might not have thought of, or allows for errors to happen and we can help each other learn. If you're studying different classes, you can work with a group to hold each other accountable with your timers, making sure you stay focused and reminding your peers to give their brains and bodies the break needed.

4. Self-Care

1. Para estudiantes universitarios, priorizando self-care es essencial para poder mantener el bienestar y el éxito académico. It starts with ensuring adequate sleep each night, as quality rest is crucial for cognitive function and overall health. Additionally, it's important to recognize when support is needed and to reach out to campus resources, such as counseling services or peer support groups, for assistance with mental health concerns or academic challenges. Tomando caminatas durante el dia provides not only physical exercise pero tambien tiempo para relajarse y reflejar. Finalmente, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and fulfillment can serve as valuable distractions and outlets for stress relief. Practicando estas practicas de self-care, estudiantes pueden gestionar mejor las exigencias de la vida universitaria mientras they nurture su bienestar mental y emocional.

Usando estos metodos y estrategias for midterms or the certification exams coming up are always helpful. Recuerden siempre cuidarse a si mismo!

Les deseo lo mejor este semestre y espero estar en contacto con muchos de estudes pronto!

Marcy A. Peña

TABE BESO Representative

tabebeso.rep@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/tabebeso

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela

We invite you to participate and contribute your valuable insights that will help us advocate for an inclusive education system that nurtures the development of all children in Texas. We appreciate your time and expertise! To participate in the survey, please follow the link provided or use the QR code attached.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M5TM7CD

En este artículo, se ofrecen consejos prácticos sobre cómo compartir libros electrónicos con sus hijos y cómo mantener la atención en la lectura y la historia.

En su calidad de padre, usted puede preguntarse si es que debe leerle a sus hijos en español o en inglés. Este artículo le ofrece sugerencias que pueden ayudar a su niño a desarrollar sus habilidades para la alfabetización en la lengua materna de su familia y explica la investigación tras las recomendaciones.

¡Una buena manera de despertar en los niños pequeños el interés por la historia es a través de los libros! He aquí están algunas ideas para empezar.

Este recurso incluye ejemplos de políticas y prácticas que las escuelas y los distritos pueden desarrollar y aplicar para apoyar a los estudiantes y familias LGBTQI+.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is leading and paving the way for institutions of higher education to authentically serve our students and community by evolving from a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) to a HSI that promotes and sustains bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy.

In June 2023, Dr. Luis Zayas began his position as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. One of Dr. Zayas’ first initiatives at UTRGV was to take the B3 initiative that started in the legacy institutions, UT Pan American and UT Brownsville, to the next level. He did this by making the commitment, with the support of President Guy Bailey, to establish the Office of Vice Provost for Bilingual Integration that opened in January 2024. As reported in the Rio Grande Guardian on February 23, 2024, Dr. Zayas described the importance of this office to elevate the bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate work that was initiated by the B3 Institute at UTRGV. The mission of this office is to magnify the B3 work throughout UTRGV, across disciplines, and extending to the RGV community, and support UTRGV to becoming a premier bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate HSI in the United States.

In 2016 UTRGV opened an office called the B3 Institute charged to facilitate the process through which the university becomes a bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate institution (UTRGV website). Groundbreaking work began with the support of the Translation & Interpreting Office, the Center for Bilingual Studies, and the Center for Mexican American Studies.

One major accomplishment of the B3 Institute was the creation of the B3 Scholar Seal that undergraduate students at UTRGV can earn upon graduation. The purpose of the B3 Scholar Seal is to develop undergraduate students’ bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy in Spanish and English through relevant coursework and formally acknowledge these skills through a certificate program. The B3 Scholar Seal is listed on the transcript and recognized upon graduation among student honors. Students will also receive a certificate of recognition with the B3 Scholar Seal.

Other accomplishments include the offering of Spanish Immersion classes for faculty and staff, professional development on culturally sustaining pedagogies for faculty across disciplines, and workshops on how to design university coursework to be offered bilingually or completely in Spanish (in areas outside of the Spanish and Bilingual Education Programs). For the last five year, UTRGV has distributed the official course syllabus template in both English and Spanish to all faculty.

The supporting units also provided revolutionary work. The Center for Bilingual Studies (CBS) organized Annual Parent Conferences centered on community and family advocacy for dual language education. CBS also hosts the annual Torneo de Ortografía (Spanish Spelling Bee) for 2nd to 12th grade students in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) celebrating Spanish literacy. They also organized and published a Special Edition in TABE Journal, the Journal of Bilingual Education Research and Instruction (vol. 23), that focused on the integration of bilingual pedagogies implemented in various disciplines across UTRGV, among other works of scholarship.

The Center for Mexican American Studies organized community engagement events such as the Mural Projects across the RGV and the Día de los Muertos: Altar Competition. They also organize El Retorno al Valle: Symposium on Gloria Anzaldúa, among many other (bi)cultural events and activities. Additionally, both these centers have received grant funds from Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities, in addition to producing scholarship based on their work.

The Translation and Interpreting Office (T&IO) serves UTRGV’s divisions, units and departments in publishing materials in Spanish to meet the quality expectations of a bilingual higher-education institution. With the bilingual and bicultural calling of UTRGV, this office became a fully staffed institutional unit that has helped shape the bilingual imprint of UTRGV's website and its external communications. Their services are currently free of charge throughout UTRGV, as well as for third parties associated with the institution. Their mission is to translate text in written form from one language into another, in our case from English into Spanish and vice versa; and offer interpreting service from English to Spanish, and Spanish to English.

Now the newly established Office of the Vice Provost for Bilingual Integration is responsible for providing vision, strategic, and operational leadership to accomplish the B3 HSI objectives for UTRGV. This office will weave together existing programs, such as the B3 Advisory Council, Center for Mexican American Studies, Center for Bilingual Studies, and the Translation and Interpretation Office and other programs across our campuses related to our B3 and HSI goals and encourage the development of initiatives that embody UTRGV’s B3HSI identity and mission.

Dr. Norma A. Guzmán is a Professor of Bilingual Education in the College of Education & Human Performance at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Dr. Guzmán currently serves at the Coordinator of the Doctoral program in Bilingual Education (EdD). Dr. Guzmán teaches courses at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral level in preparing educators to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students, families and communities.

Dr. Guzmán’s research interests include the intersections of bilingual special education, bilingual teacher preparation, and (bi)literacy development for CLD students. Dr. Guzmán began her educational career in public schools as a bilingual specialist in school psychology (LSSP).

Dr. Guzmán has a record of leadership and national, state and local service. She was elected to serve as Chair-Elect of the American Education Research Association (AERA) – Special Interest Group (SIG) Executive Committee (3-year term, 2023-2026). She is completing three service on the Advisory Committee on Educator Diversity for the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE; 2021-2024). She has served on elected and appointed committees for AERA, National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) and the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE). She is proudly serving the Coastal Bend Association for Bilingual Education (CB-ABE) as higher education representative in the process of re-establishment of the TABE affiliate.

Dr. Esther Garza is an Associate Professor of Bilingual and ESL Education and Chair of the Department of Educator and Leadership Preparation at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA). Dr. Garza has worked in higher education for over 22 years and was a bilingual teacher for 10 years. Dr. Garza offers teacher preparation and multicultural courses and is the lead faculty for math and science bilingual methods, assessment for Emergent Bilinguals and multilingual and multicultural education at A&M-SA.

Her particular focus of research includes bilingual teacher preparation, science education for Emergent Bilinguals, STREAM education for dual language education and biliteracy development. Dr. Garza has published internationally, nationally, state and locally on these research topics.

Dr. Garza also served as the President’s Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at A&M-SA and later selected as an Emerging Leader for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Program. Due to her continued dedication and motivation for multilingual education, Dr. Garza has been awarded multiple teaching excellence awards and received nominations for university awards to recognize her work in bilingual education and for supporting student success in higher education. She has also served on state and national boards such as the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA) for the Latina/o/x Research Issues Special Interest Group (SIG). Dr. Garza has also co-authored several national grants and is the Principal Investigator for a Department of Education Federal Grant, along with her Co-PIs, to engage her campus and the San Antonio community to build a strong interest and preparation for multilingual education and increase the multilingual teacher pipeline.

Share your stories and ideas with us at tabenoticias@gmail.com

Dra. Lileana Ríos-Ledezma, TABE Newsletter Chair

Email: tabe@tabe.org
Website: http://tabe.org/
Location: Po Box 37130, San Antonio, Texas 78237
Phone: 210-979-6390
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TA4BE
Twitter: @ta4be