Dropouts for bilingual program?

Chamorros and Carolinians who can speak, write, and read the vernacular languages should be given a chance to teach in the Bilingual Program even if they have not finished college, according to a ranking education official.

Board of Education chair Roman Benavente said in an interview with Saipan Tribune that he knows of several local residents who are very fluent with the native language and could teach them in schools.

Benavente said he is aware that Bilingual Program teachers generally have a bachelor’s degree in order for them to teach Chamorro and Carolinian.

“There are lots of Chamorros who are very articulate and very well-versed with the Chamorro language, but they don’t have an [academic] degree,” he said. This prevents the Public School System from hiring these native speakers, he added.

Benavente said that, if the CNMI could get an exemption from this policy, PSS could hire these people even if they have no degree, as long as they are able to teach Chamorro and Carolinian fluently.

Through this, they will be able to “teach the culture more accurately…it would develop the identity of the island more and maintain the culture and the tradition of the CNMI,” he said.

PSS Bilingual Education Program coordinator Jesus M. Elameto said a bilingual instructor must have at least a high school diploma. This is due to certification the school system requires of them.

He said there is a certification process for all bilingual program teachers, whether they are degree or non-degree holders. The certification courses and exams are being conducted at the Northern Marianas College. To get into the program, NMC requires a high school diploma to take the courses.

Elameto said at least seven courses are offered at the college.

He said the certification process is part of the requirement to ensure that all bilingual program teachers are certified by 2006.

He added, though, that the system can hire instructors who are retirees or any consultant who have in-depth knowledge of the Carolinian and Chamorro languages. This would depend on whether there is budget allocation for the additional personnel.

Benavente said he hopes to see more emphasis on the Carolinian and Chamorro bilingual program on the island because it will enhance the continuing existence of the culture and traditions. “It is very important for a person to know their identity.”

He said a lot of children today have Chamorro parents but only speak English. “It’s a shame,” Benavente said.

Benavente said he is also encouraging private schools to help the culture and the community by implementing a bilingual program in their schools.

“For us Chamorros, we think that, by speaking in English, we would be identified as Americans. That [doesn’t happen] when you go to the United States,” he said. “When locals go to the mainland, as soon as they see your color, they would ask you where you are from.”

He said the distinction in color and looks show the people’s identity, but it is a shame when they do not know how to speak the language, which reflects how they really value their culture.