NM to adopt first-in-nation Navajo-language school textbook

New Mexico's Public Education Department announced today that the state will become the first in the nation to adopt a Navajo language textbook on Tuesday at the Instructional Materials Bureau Advisory Council meeting in Santa Fe.

A press release from the education department says:
 

The textbook is Dine Bizaad Binahoo’aah (Rediscovering the Navajo Language), written by Dr. Evangeline Parsons Yazzie (Navajo), Professor of Navajo at Northern Arizona University, and Dr. Margaret Speas, Professor of Linguistics at University of Massachusetts.

The textbook will be used in ten school districts that provide Navajo language instruction and by Bureau of Indian Education schools. In 2006-07 seven Native American languages were taught in New Mexico public schools throughout the state. Navajo language classes served the highest number of Native language learners totaling 5,024 students in 2006-07.

The textbook will enhance Navajo language instruction and also support the 2007 Amended Indian Education Act which calls for ensuring culturally relevant instructional materials. The Navajo language is known as one of the world’s most difficult languages to learn.

Tuesday's meeting will happen in Mabry Hall at 9:30 a.m. in the Jerry Apodaca Building, 300 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe.

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