2024-2025 Catalog

Intensive Salish Language Certificate of Completion - NLTE Track

Program Description and Rationale

The purpose of the Certificate of Completion in Salish Language is to prepare and graduate professionals who are working towards fluency in the Salish language and demonstrate the ability to teach that language. This program is designed to meet the critical need for Native language speakers, who may or may not choose to pursue the associate’s degree in Native Language Teacher Education.

The Certificate of Completion for Salish Language allows candidates an official recognition/ documentation that demonstrates their high level of proficiency in the Salish language as well as Salish history and culture, language learning strategies, and an introduction to educational pedagogy appropriate within Indian educational contexts. The certificate demonstrates a level of distinction, which would acknowledge each candidate's acquisition of the Salish language, history, and cultural knowledge.

Career Opportunities

Candidates who earn the Certificate of Completion will have the opportunity to apply for Class 7 Certification through the Montana Office of Public Instruction, and to work as Salish Language Teachers in Native language immersion schools, public school classrooms (P-12), and/or other private schools in which a Class 7 Certification meets the qualifications. Successful Certificate of Completion graduates may choose to continue their education to earn an Associate degree in Native Language Teacher Education, and/or a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education P-3 or Elementary Education. 

Program Objectives

●      The phonology, morphology, and syntax of Salish language in addition to English (for dual language or immersion teachers)

●      Introduction to first and second language acquisition, dual language learning, and immersion

●      Introduction to methods of teaching in a native language setting (e.g., DLL, Immersion, etc.)

●      Introduction to multicultural education including teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse settings

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Salish Language, candidates will demonstrate the following skills, dispositions, and knowledge in relation to the principles:

●      Demonstrate proficiency communicating through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Salish and English.

●      Apply knowledge and understanding of the Salish history and culture considering political, social, economic, and sovereign factors.

●      Establish and apply an understanding of intercultural competency, including tribal values, to ensure appropriate ways of being and building respectful relationships within language

         learning and immersion settings.

 

Central Beliefs of SKC's Division of Education

Instruction and curriculum in the professional education programs at Salish Kootenai College are guided by five central principles and beliefs that respect and reflect the rich, holistic perspectives of the Séliš, Ql̓ispé and Ksanka people.

A. Culturally revitalizing and sustaining instruction and curriculum will lead education to its promise of opportunity and equity. 

B. Creating connections with the larger community promotes the construction of knowledge.

C. Reflective practice leads to the continuous flourishing of both teacher and student.

D. Each learner's uniqueness, when valued and invited in all of its diverse forms, enriches the learning experience.

E. Demonstration and application of communication, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and the principles of citizenship cultivates teachers as community leaders. 

Requirements

●      Students must submit to a federal background check for all Education programs.

●      Students must receive a “C” or better in all required courses, and a “B” or better in NASL coursework, while maintaining an overall grade point average of 2.5 to graduate.

Curriculum

Fall First Year

IDST101SKC Seminar

3

NASD101History of Indians in the United States

3

NASL101Basic Salish I

3

NASL102Basic Salish II

3

NASL103Basic Salish III

3

NASL151Basic Salish IV

3

SCID233Integrated Perspectives in Science for Educators 1

4

Total Credit Hours:22

Winter First Year

HPED125First Aid/CPR

1

NASD102Flathead Reservation History Before 1850

3

NASL153Basic Salish V

3

NASL155Basic Salish VI

3

NASL244Intermediate Salish I

4

NASL245Intermediate Salish I Lab

1

SCID253Integrated Perspectives in Science for Educators 2

4

Total Credit Hours:19

Spring First Year

EDUC115Computers in Education

3

ENGL101English Composition I

3

NASD103Flathead Reservation History 1850 - 1910

3

NASL246Intermediate Salish II

4

NASL247Intermediate Salish II Lab

1

NASL248Intermediate Salish III

4

NASL249Intermediate Salish III Lab

1

NLTE140Parent & Community Partnerships in Native Language Teacher Education

3

Total Credit Hours:22

Summer First Year

NASL251Intermediate Salish IV

5

NASL252Intermediate Salish IV Lab

2

NASL253Intermediate Salish V

5

NASL254Intermediate Salish V Lab

2

NASL255Intermediate Salish VI

5

NASL256Intermediate Salish VI Lab

2

Total Credit Hours:21

Total Credit Hours: 84

84 credits – Intensive Salish Language (ISL) Certificate of Completion & Should Be Prepared to Take Examination with Séliš Ql̓ispé Culture Committee for Class 7 Native American Language and Culture Educator License with The Montana Office of Public Instruction