View Content #19221

From http://knba.org/post/32315-sen-donny-olson-proposes-promotion-native-languages-through-teacher-certification

Sen. Donny Olson proposes promotion of Native languages through teacher certification
by Joaqlin Estus
March 23, 2015

At least 20 distinct Native languages are spoken in Alaska, and every year, the population of speakers gets a little smaller. A Golovin senator now wants to reverse that trend by encouraging immersion language charter schools.

Democrat Donny Olson introduced a bill on Friday that would create a special certification process for instructors of Native languages, so that it would be easier for them to teach in schools. He’s hoping to build on the success of legislation recognizing Alaska’s Native languages as official languages in their own right.

...While the bill would make it easier to set up immersion programs for any language, it makes specific reference to revitalizing endangered languages and providing an education consistent with indigenous cultures.

Read the full article at http://knba.org/post/32315-sen-donny-olson-proposes-promotion-native-languages-through-teacher-certification