Nationally Recognized Researcher on Education of Latinos
Luis Moll to Speak at COE on March 11

Luis Moll, one of America's best known researchers on the connection between culture, psychology and education, especially as it relates to the education of Latino children in the United States, will speak at the University of Georgia College of Education on Friday, March 11.

Moll, the associate dean for academic affairs and a professor of language, reading and culture at the University of Arizona, will speak on the possibilities of biliteracy as part of the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education (CLASE) Seminar Series.

Moll is best known for his “funds of knowledge” work on valuing the cultural resources Latino families and students bring to the educational setting. His talk, titled “The Possibilities of Biliteracy,” will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Room G-23 of Aderhold Hall and is open to the public. A reception is scheduled following Moll's presentation.

Earlier on Friday, Moll will speak to a statewide group of educators working with CLASE faculty and staff at the Latin American Association in Atlanta.

Moll, who was born in Puerto Rico, has analyzed the quality of classroom teaching, examined literacy instruction in English and Spanish, studied how literacy takes place in the broader social contexts of households and community life, attempting to establish pedagogical relationships among these domains of study.

He is presently conducting a longitudinal study of biliteracy development in children and the language ideologies that mediate that development. He has served on the editorial board of several education journals. His most recent book, a co-edited volume titled “Funds of knowledge: Theorizing practices in households, communities, and classrooms,” is in press. Moll was elected to membership in the National Academy of Education in 1998. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1978.

The CLASE Seminar Series brings to campus experts on issues related to the education of Latino/Hispanic students in the United States.

Upcoming speakers include:
* Toni Griego-Jones (University of Arizona), March 25
* Rosa Hernandez Sheets (Texas Tech), April 8

Thursday, March 3, 2005
CONTACT: Sandy Smith, 706/542-4558, ssmith@coe.uga.edu