Teaching Indigenous Languages in Arizona Public Schools in Times of English Only 1997–2017

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 55
  In Roundtable Session: On Schools and Schooling

Abstract

We will explore the 20-year history of two Navajo language immersion programs in Arizona pubic schools from 1997-2017. We developed the following overarching question to guide our research: In what ways and to what extent are these programs successful in increasing the collaboration of parents and teachers to support indigenous language and culture curriculum and pedagogy in their schools? This history of two successful indigenous language immersion programs provides an important foundation for new efforts to teach the Navajo language in immersion classrooms in times of English only.

Authors

• Louise Lockard, Northern Arizona University

• Velma M. Hale, Northern Arizona University, Dine' College