Student Enrollment
In order for a student to be admitted to Nikaitchuat the parent(s) must turn in an application. The parents will be interviewed to determine the readiness of the child and commitment to the program. There are currently a certain number of students. If there is no room, then your child will be placed on a waiting list. The order of the children being admitted will be those who qualify and the order in which they applied.
Download Application PDF (786 KB)
Language Acquisition and Cultural Education
Experts who study second language learning and immersion programs distinguish between language learning and language acquisition. Acquisition and learning are two very distinct ways of developing knowledge and skills in a second language. Basically, acquisition means “picking up” a language through the natural process of using it in everyday situations that require communication, whereas language learning involves developing a conscious knowledge of grammatical and other formal “rules”. The difference is between using language for meaningful social and academic purposes instead of talking about language. Though both forms of developing understanding of a language are important and have their place, comparative studies of second language acquisition programs and second language learning programs consistently show that acquisition-centered programs are far more effective in developing actual communicative competence in second languages than are programs that emphasize formal language learning. There are many aspects of explanation for this, but the most basic is that the more natural language acquisition approach organizes classroom activities around curricular topics of interest to the children rather than focusing on the teaching of the language itself. The emphasis is on teaching the curriculum subject matter using the second language in a language-rich and emotionally supportive environment. The bibliography section lists sources of more information on language acquisition. (See especially Krashen and Terrell.)
Three Primary Goals
Language immersion programs have three primary goals:
- to develop mastery in both a different language
- to develop mastery in the standard curriculum
- to acquire the cultural knowledge without which knowledge of the target language is incomplete.
There are many situations in which proper use of language is determined by cultural context. Thus cultural objectives are also incorporated into the overall plan, and many cultural materials and activities are included in the program.
Teaching Methods
Our immersion teachers utilize what is known as the Natural Approach to language acquisition, which makes use of the same kinds of processes everyone goes through in learning their first language. This approach is in contrast to the language lab and textbook oriented audiolingual and grammar-translation methods of language of used with older students and adults, which are beyond both the comprehension and patience of young children. The Natural Approach emphasizes real communication for practical purposes in which the focus is on the learning activities involved, not primarily on the language, so that students indirectly acquire linguistic understanding through direct involvement in learning and play activities that are meaningful to them. Grammar study is introduced only in the later grades when students have acquired sufficient competence in Iñupiaq and are ready for this sort of analysis. Visits to the classroom will provide firsthand understanding of the Natural Approach in operation. For those interested in knowing more about language acquisition techniques, including theory and research, a list of Resources for Parents and a Bibliography are provided in this handbook.
Visitation
It is extremely important that parents of students enrolled in Nikaitchuat be well informed about immersion, its goals and methods. This handbook provides a foundation for this knowledge. It is equally important that parents be involved with Nikaitchuat. One essential way to become both more knowledgeable and involved is to visit your child’s classroom during the school day. Parents are required also to attend the bimonthly meetings to keep up to date on what your child is learning.
Parent Involvement
Commitment on the part of parents is critical to the success of any language immersion program. Your active interest and support will greatly influence your child’s success; you must be an advocate of the program with your child. Parents must understand how Nikaitchuat works, support its goals, and make a long term commitment to their child’s participation, as it takes years for children to develop a near-native fluency in a second language. We thus strongly encourage parents to take an active part at Nikaitchuat Iḷisaġviat. The results will be well worth the effort. Following, then, are several areas in which you can contribute to your child’s success. At school parents may contribute to both Nikaitchuat’s and their child’s success by volunteering in the classroom or asking the Director if there are any tasks that they may need help with. Volunteers may serve either during the school day or otherwise. Examples of ways parents can be involved at school include making and/or duplicating materials for classroom use, helping with a group activity (like chaperoning a field trip) demonstrating arts and crafts, assisting with potlucks, and visiting to observe class activities. Following are a few handy hints:
- Attend the bimonthly parent meetings. This will provide information and many questions are answered.
- Show your child your interest and concern by scheduling class visits and other involvement activities for yourself and by talking with his or her teacher. Visits and activities will also help you get to know your child’s teacher and become more knowledgeable about Nikaitchuat. An exception to class visits will be during the first few weeks of the year, during which time visitations will not be scheduled because students will be adjusting to the routines and requirements of the whole new world of school. Parents are asked to please be patient and understanding during this critical adjustment period, and, of course meetings with teachers may still be arranged during these initial weeks.
- During visits, please respect our policy of teachers speaking only Iñupiaq when students are present. Any conversations with teachers not in Inupiaq will have to be held when students are not present.
- As your child’s teacher how you might help with preparing materials, assisting in classroom or outdoor activities, sharing traditional knowledge, storytelling, demonstrating an art or craft, etc.
In the community parents of children at Nikaitchuat Iḷisaġviat will always be looked upon as ambassadors of the program. So parents need to become informed of the programs purpose and goals, how immersion programs operate, the benefits of being bilingual. They should keep up to date on program activities and developments. There will be many opportunities to share information with others who will be curious about immersion, what you think of it, how your child is doing, and so on. Parents can also give further support to their child’s success by taking advantage of the many opportunities to expose them to Iñupiaq language and cultural events in Kotzebue, while visiting in villages, at fish camp, berry picking, etc.
Acknowledgments
Special recognition is reserved for the many people who have contributed to the development of Nikaitchuat Iḷisaġviat. It is impossible to list everyone who has given their support or participation in promoting and developing the program, yet we would like to extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU!” to all who have given their time and effort to this project.
Supporters:
- The Kotzebue Vital Team
- The initial planning team for Nikaitchuat Iḷisaġviat
- Tarruq and Agnik Schaeffer
- Administration for Native Americans
- City of Kotzebue
- U.S. Department of Education, Alaska Native Education Programs
- Nikaitchuat Parents
- Northwest Arctic Borough
- Northwest Arctic Borough School District
- Kotzebue Elders Council
- Maniilaq Association
- NANA Regional Corporation, Inc.
- Native Village of Kotzebue
What We Believe & Our Goals
We Believe:
Do unto others as you would do unto yourself. It is advantageous to be able to communicate in more than one language. Knowing a second language promotes cognitive development and academic achievement in all subjects. Learning a new language produces insight into that culture’s world view. Second language learning improves a child’s understanding and appreciation of his/her first language. Preparation for college and many careers is enhanced through second language acquisition. Knowledge of a second language promotes cross-cultural understanding, mutual respect, and world peace.
Our Goals Include:
To provide the benefits of proficiency in Iñupiaq and understanding of Iñupiaq culture. To achieve academic growth and mastery of the Iñupiaq language. To provide students with communicative competence in speaking, reading, and writing appropriate to their level of language development. To enable students to have expanded educational and career opportunities. To foster in students high levels of motivation, achievement, self-confidence, and mutual respect.
Nikaitchuat Director
Ikaaq Jaime Schaeffer
(907) 442-3467, ext. 213
(907) 442-4160, direct
Email