Attaining Fairness for Students Learning English

Yasuko Kanno, a dedicated applied linguist and professor at BU Wheelock, is shedding light on the challenges faced by English learners in K-12 education. In her recent research, Kanno delves into the importance of labeling, intersectionality, and equity for English learners, highlighting the systemic obstacles that hinder their success.

One key aspect of Kanno’s research is the debate surrounding the labeling of English learners. Some suggest calling them “emergent bilinguals” or “multilingual learners,” but Kanno questions why there is so much focus on labels rather than addressing the underlying issues that impact these students’ educational opportunities.

Moreover, Kanno’s research explores how factors like race, class, and gender intersect with the experiences of English learners. She emphasizes the need for educators and researchers to consider these intersectional dynamics and expand the inclusiveness of the field to better support English learners.

Equity is another central focus of Kanno’s work, as she questions why a student’s language background significantly shapes their educational opportunities in the U.S. Despite the value placed on learning multiple languages, English learners often face limitations in their educational trajectories due to their language classification.

Kanno also highlights the discriminatory practices that English learners encounter in education, such as being placed in EL-sheltered courses that may limit their access to advanced coursework. She advocates for a shift in mindset and a reevaluation of language support requirements to provide English learners with equal opportunities to excel academically.

Overall, Yasuko Kanno’s research brings attention to the complex challenges faced by English learners and calls for a more inclusive and equitable approach to supporting their educational success.