Bilingual reading specialists urge recognition of dual-role work during public comment

A bilingual reading specialist addressed the Alisal Union School District Board of Trustees during public comment, asking the board to acknowledge the dual instructional and non-instructional roles bilingual TOSAs (Teachers on Special Assignment) perform for students and families.

"As bilingual reading specialists, we bring specialized dual language skills to our positions," Sonia Fuentes said. "We use our Spanish language skills first and foremost to help our students comprehend and understand complex vocabulary and concepts, bridge the gap between their native language knowledge and English content, and accelerate their growth in English literacy."

Fuentes, speaking on behalf of herself and several bilingual colleagues, said that in addition to small-group instruction the specialists are regularly asked to serve in critical non-instructional capacities such as interpreting for parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school night, open house and literacy night to ensure equitable communication with Spanish-speaking families. She said these duties demonstrate that the specialists are functioning as both targeted reading instructors and essential bilingual resources for the district.

Fuentes closed her remarks by thanking the board for time and support and by using a Spanish phrase she said staff often invoke: "being bilingual is worth double." The board received the comment during the public-comment period and proceeded with the meeting agenda; trustees did not take action during the comment period.