American Indian Language Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Prepared for the National Center for Bilingual Research, the document provides information on the "state of the art" in American Indian language education and presents a full picture of the situation exploring concepts (e.g., self-determination, Indian language diversity) and concerns (e.g., tribal reluctance to see Indian language instruction used indiscriminately for schooling-related purposes). Topics discussed in the five chapter paper include: Indian education as an equal opportunity issue (such as tribal self-determination and tribally controlled education); definition of American Indians (usage of Native American or American Indians, state, federal, and self-identified); Indian language fluency as an issue in Indian education; local responses to language needs in Indian education (pertaining to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, implementing Indian language arts programs, certification of Indian teachers, and federal responsibilities in Indian Education); and research needs in Indian language education (descriptive studies, language census issues, English language arts needs, legislation and policy implications). Appendices record statements of needs and priorities in Indian language education. A 62-item unannotated bibliography concludes the document. (ERB)