PROGRAM FRAMEWORK

In 2014, the SNLC contracted a position to write a framework that would define the parameters for adult language learning in the programs the SNLC supports. Based on a community program at Six Nations that had achieved success in the past, the framework helps defines what an adult program should include in terms of content, assessment, achievement, and some logistics, in order to be considered for funding from the SNLC. This framework has formed the basis of the SNLC’s thinking around adult programming since 2014. Essentially, it requires that every 1000 hours of learning correspond to one major level of proficiency according to the rating scale of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). 

Observations of programming since the adoption of the framework for the 2016-2017 learning year showed success across the criteria the SNLC chose to adopt, and again in the 2017-2018 learning year! We’re hopeful for continued success in the years to come.

K-8 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

In December 2016, the SNLC began working with I.L. Thomas Elementary School (ILTO) to develop a curriculum that more directly supports the development of Cayuga language proficiency in ILTO’s elementary learners. Over the past two years this project, which was supported by Indian Services Canada, has expanded to include not only the development of curriculum, but sessions that cover content delivery, instructional strategies and assessment. These sessions have also been open to teachers, schools and programs for other Haudenosaunee communities.

Guiding Question

The central question guiding the project was: What might a curriculum look like whose focus was building learner proficiency over Kindergarten to Grade 8? Subsequent sessions developed this question into a curriculum that tried to address the question, and in a culturally appropriate way.

At present, the proficiency goal or target that has been set for this nine year (“K to 8”) is Intermediate Mid, as measured according to the rating scale of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Developing the Project

In terms of content delivery towards this goal, the project looked mainly at speaking activities focused on oral language production. The final session, which took place on March 25-26 examined the role of assessment in language programming. In this session, participants had the opportunity to review case studies from assessment tools in other settings, including New Zealand and Hawaii, and consider how to develop assessment tools and frameworks that are culturally relevant. Stay tuned for the videos from these sessions!

These sessions were helpful in providing an opportunity for sharing and dialogue and we hope to have more of them in the future! Ideas for future sessions include resource creation, as well as ongoing maintenance of the curriculum itself.

ACTFL TRAINING

In order to better understand what proficiency levels learners are reaching through programming efforts, SNLC adopted the criteria of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Determined by an interview assessment, the ACTFL levels can help tell you what someone using a language can do across a range of topics. The ACTFL scale is widely used for proficiency assessment with world languages.

Since 2010, Six Nations has regularly invited ACTFL presenters and consultants to conduct Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) workshops and curriculum design sessions. In addition to ACTFL, the SNLC recognizes that there is still interest from the community in learning about other forms of assessment and curriculum development processes (and developing them in a way that is best suited for our languages). As such, the SNLC continues to research, learn about and participate in other workshops and sessions. For example, other workshops have included TPR Storytelling, comprehensible input, and workshops with the Indigenous Languages Institute (ILI) in Santa Fe.