The Hibiscus Framework: Infusing Linguistic and Cultural Sustainability into Pre-K-12 Educational Practices

This framework from the Region 19 Comprehensive Center is an educational tool that stimulates thinking about what we teach and how we teach in relation to who we teach. The organizing frame is the five petals, or facets, of the hibiscus flower. Each facet pertains to a different aspect of linguistic and cultural sustainability and is designed to preserve and enhance the region's social, language, and cultural roots. The framework responds to regional inquiries: How might we describe the linguistic and cultural vibrancy of the Pacific region? How might we envision linguistic and cultural sustainability for Pacific islanders? How might we encourage our local and school communities to preserve their rich linguistic and cultural heritage? How might we foster access to our students' and families' multiple languages and cultures in our schools and classrooms? How might we nurture positive linguistic and cultural sustainability across our educational networks? In turn, each facet has an underlying Principle and Practice. The Principle and Practice illustrate how the peoples of the Pacific are contributing to the building, enhancing, and maintaining of their languages and cultures. This framework is to be used in thinking about the impact of language and culture on educational life. In addition, References and Resources (Learn More!) offer readers additional areas to explore. Lastly, there is a glossary for readers to complete (What Does It Mean?) and three tools, one each for student, classroom, and school use (Try It Out!).