Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education

The Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting bilingual and multicultural education in the Austin, Texas area, including surrounding communities such as Austin ISD, Bastrop ISD, Cedar Park, Del Valle ISD, Elgin ISD, Georgetown ISD, Hays CISD, Lakeway ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Manor ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Round Rock ISD, and San Marcos ISD.

Vision and Mission

The organization's mission is centered around supporting collaboration with educators, harnessing collective knowledge from families and community members, and advocating for dual language programs. It aims to effectively implement bilingual/multicultural education policies in local schools, develop public opinion in support of bilingual education, and collaborate with entities like the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE), school districts, universities, and community partnerships to advance bilingual education.

Activities and Goals

• Collaboration and Advocacy: The organization collaborates with TABE and other educational entities to promote equal educational opportunities and academic excellence for linguistically and culturally diverse students. It advocates for dual language programs to ensure that students benefit from additive bilingual education models, which enhance academic success and language proficiency.

• Community Engagement: By involving both educators and community members, the association seeks to enrich educational practices through shared knowledge and skills, fostering a supportive environment for bilingual students.

• Public Awareness: It plays a role in shaping public opinion on bilingual education, highlighting its benefits and challenges to ensure broader community understanding and support.

Structure and Membership

The association is composed of teachers, parents, and community members who are advocates for bilingual education. This diverse membership provides a comprehensive perspective on the needs and challenges faced by linguistically and culturally diverse students in the region.

Impact

The Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education contributes to the development of more inclusive educational environments. By supporting and promoting bilingual education, it helps to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds receive education that meets their unique needs, preparing them for success in a multicultural society.