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Features*
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| MICHAEL PENN/JUNEAU EMPIRE |
In 2000, the Juneau School District (in partnership with SHI) launched a unique classroom with a central focus on Tlingit culture and language, in addition to the District's curriculum and the State of Alaska standards. In the only program of its kind in Southeast Alaska, children can build their academic knowledge and ability while increasing their cultural understanding and skills throughout their school years.
This program has several special features:
Hands-On Learning
The curriculum has been specially designed and created to foster active
learning. Many projects are in motion throughout the day so that children
have many ways to learn skills and acquire knowledge.
Daily Instruction and Practice in the Tlingit Language
Each day a Tlingit Elder and a cultural resource specialist (Nancy Douglas)
help children learn words and phrases associated with what they are studying
in English. They also learn songs and hear stories in Tlingit. Older children
begin to read Tlingit words and phrases as well.
Strong Emphasis on Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Particular attention is paid to fostering oral language skills along with
reading and writing skills.
Community Partnerships
Support for this class comes in many forms, from many community agencies
and individuals, including the Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Alaska
State Museum, the Alaska Native Sisterhood and Brotherhood, the Tlingit-Haida
Central Council, the Juneau Native Education Commission and the University
of Alaska Southeast.
Parent Partnerships
Parents are welcome in the program on many levels, including volunteering
in the class, sharing cultural knowledge and attending Family Literacy
events after school. They are active on an Advisory Committee that meets
quarterly to help guide and support the program.
Initially supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Sealaska Heritage Institute and the Juneau School District, this program is open to all children throughout Juneau. Parents must provide transportation for students not living in the Harborview attendance area.
*Excerpted from Juneau School District brochure: Tlingit Culture and Language K-3 Program, 2002. The program has since expanded to grade 4 and the district received federal funding in 2003 to expand it to grade 5.