Higher Education Institution
Languages:
- Dakota
Public | Four-year institutions
Sisseton Wahpeton College
Agency Village, South Dakota 57262
Dakota Language Programs at Sisseton Wahpeton College Institute Background
The Dakota Studies Department at Sisseton Wahpeton College provides multiple avenues for learning the Dakota language, including a Dakota Language Teaching Certificate, which prepares students to teach the Dakota Language and produces more proficient speakers of the Dakota Language. The department also provides basic Dakota Language classes, which are a part of the College’s general education requirements. Moreover, the department also runs the Voices of Our Ancestors program, which pays Language Learners to learn the Dakota Language full time over two years, with the intent that they go on to become fluent second-language speakers and teachers in the community.
- Access
- Accountability
- Keys to access and accountability
Improve Access for all learners in more languages
Techniques to Retain HULs
- Specially designed courses
Obstacles that HULs face
- Schedule
Offer classes specifically targeted to HULs
Yes
Adapt delivery modes to HULs
Specific practices that are the reasons your HULs enjoy success in your program
Practice 1
Topic based upper level language courses: after students complete the first two semesters (language requirements) they have the option to choose the content of courses that are offered in their target language; Dakota. The topics available are culturally relevant and reflect the interests of people in the community.
Practice 2
Elder mentorship program: weekly sessions with elders who work with language learners to both help learners to practice their fluency. and assist the Department in creating culturally relevant material for classes and for learners to practice their fluency.
Practice 3
Teacher certificates: As part of the teacher certificate program, students have the opportunity to teach at the local immersion school and learn from the immersion teachers at the school.
Increase ACCOUNTABILITY Through Transparency And Documentation
Program publishes clear description of its goals and requirements
Yes
Program makes public its efforts to increase HUL enrollments
Yes
Program makes public its definition of student success
Yes
Program incorporates online learning in order to increase access and/or improve learning
Yes
Levels of Language
6
Co-curricular Offerings
- Education
- History, economics, social sciences
- Law
- Natural and physical sciences
- Performing and fine arts
- Dakota culture and Dakota history
Emphasize in your language program
- Cultural Literacy
- Employment opportunities
- Human diversity, including linguistic diversity
- Intercultural Competence
- Language Proficiency
- Social justice
- Usage/immersion learning
Implement any workforce preparation activities
Yes
- Occupation-specific courses
Support co-curricular collaborations
- K-12 collaborations
Keys to access and Accountability
Recruit teachers from HUL communities
Yes
Teacher profile reflect
Yes
Offer in-service professional development
Yes
Support professional development focused
- Emergent Bilingual Learners from NA & heritage/immigrant communities
Program partner with any of the following
- Heritage communities
Private business enterprises that benefit HULs
No
Partnerships with philanthropic
Yes
- Native American communities
Language immersion opportunities
Yes
Program conduct any of the following as part of their in-country language immersion programs
- Faculty reports
- Pre- and post-program assessments for students
- Language proficiency
Partner with any foreign university where students will receive scholarship
No
Institution Information
Institution classified as a Minority Serving
Yes, Tribal College and University (TCU) (Please list the federally recognized Tribal affiliations)
Actively Recruit Students from following groups
- American Indians
Is Language Required
Yes , It is a General institution requirement
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (formerly part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)