Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 109-394.
Official Summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 27, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as part of the Native American languages grant program, to make three-year grants for educational Native American language nests, survival schools, and restoration programs. Requires that Native American language nests: (1) provide instruction and child care through the use of a Native American language for at least 10 children under the age of seven for an average of at least 500 hours per year per student; (2) provide classes in such language for the parents of such students; and (3) use such language as the dominant medium of instruction in the nest. Requires that Native American language survival schools: (1) provide an average of at least 500 hours of instruction per year per student through the use of at least one Native American language for at least 15 students for whom the school is their principal school; (2) develop instructional courses and materials that service the goal of making all students fluent in such a language and proficient in mathematics, reading, and science; (3) provide teacher training; and (4) be located in areas having high concentrations of Native American students. Requires applicants for language survival school funding to have at least three years of experience in running such a school, a Native American language nest, or any other educational program in which instruction is conducted in a Native American language. Requires that Native American language restoration programs: (1) operate at least one Native American language program for the community they serve; (2) train teachers of such languages; and (3) develop Native American language instructional materials. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006 amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide three-year grants supporting Native American language preservation efforts. These grants fund language nests, survival schools, and restoration programs aimed at revitalizing Native American languages through immersive instruction, teacher training, and development of educational materials. The act sets specific requirements for each program type, including minimum instructional hours, student enrollment thresholds, and language use standards. Funding was authorized for fiscal years 2008 through 2012. The bill was passed by the House on September 27, 2006, and became Public Law No: 109-394 on December 14, 2006.
This law establishes federal grant programs to support the preservation and revitalization of Native American languages through educational initiatives, with defined program standards and authorized funding.
- Authorizes three-year grants for Native American language nests, survival schools, and restoration programs under the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Sets minimum instructional hours and student enrollment requirements for language nests and survival schools, emphasizing immersive language use.
- Requires survival schools to develop instructional materials, provide teacher training, and be located in areas with high Native American student populations.
- Mandates that restoration programs operate community language programs, train teachers, and develop instructional materials.
- Appropriates funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to support these language preservation efforts.
['Native American children and families participating in language nests and survival schools', 'Native American communities served by language restoration programs', 'Educational institutions and organizations involved in Native American language instruction', 'The Department of Health and Human Services as the administering agency']
['Ensuring adequate oversight and accountability for grant recipients to meet program requirements', 'Sustaining funding beyond the authorized fiscal years to maintain program continuity', 'Capacity of applicants to meet experience requirements for survival school funding', 'Measuring program effectiveness in language preservation and educational outcomes']
The bill was introduced and passed by the House in 2006 as an amendment to the Native American Programs Act of 1974, reflecting ongoing federal efforts to support Native American language preservation. It was signed into law as Public Law No: 109-394 on December 14, 2006. The legislation fits within the broader policy area of Native American affairs and education.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Increased development of Native American language educational materials and teacher training programs.', 'Potential strengthening of cultural identity and community engagement through language revitalization.', 'Possible increased demand for qualified educators fluent in Native American languages.', 'Enhanced collaboration between federal agencies and Native American communities on language preservation.']
The bill includes specific program requirements and funding authorizations, but the summary does not provide details on oversight mechanisms or reporting requirements. Monitoring the use of funds and program outcomes will be important to ensure compliance with legislative intent. The limited funding authorization period highlights the need for transparency regarding future appropriations and program sustainability.
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