Understanding No Child Left Behind: Navajo Perspectives

This representation of a mountain, located on the north wall of Bertha Tso's classroom, symbolizes Dibé Nitsaa or Mt. Hesperus. It is one of the four sacred mountains that surround the Navajo homeland.

back | next I feel that the immersion program is the way to go if they want the children to learn the English language. They have to start off with their traditional language, their native language. It's not only Navajo, it's other languages such as Spanish, other tribal languages. I feel like they have to really learn that and set a strong foundation, have them know who they are culturally and where they stand in society and then gradually start learning English about fifth grade on up. I know that they will feel more confident in learning the English language in that way. When we just pressure them with the English language they really are lost, they really don't know where they stand in society as Native American. To me I feel like the school, the No Child Left Behind Act and the standards are really not understanding the child. Bertha Tso 5th Grade Teacher Lukachukai Community School