Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act facts for kids

The Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act was a special idea, or "bill," that was introduced in the U.S. Congress on January 16, 2014. A bill is like a proposal for a new law. It needs to be voted on and approved by lawmakers before it can become a real law.

The main person who suggested this bill was Senator Jon Tester from Montana. Other senators who supported the idea and helped introduce it were Max Baucus, Mark Begich, Tim Johnson, Brian Schatz, Tom Udall, and Lisa Murkowski.

Helping Native American Languages

This bill was created to help protect and teach Native American languages. Many of these languages are very old and important to the culture and history of Native American tribes. However, over time, fewer people have been speaking them.

What the Bill Proposed

The bill suggested changing an older law called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. This older law helps fund schools and education across the country. The new bill wanted to add more support specifically for Native American language programs.

It aimed to give more money from the federal government to schools that focus on American Indian education. This money would help these schools create or improve programs where students could learn and speak their native languages. For example, in 2015, the bill proposed providing $5 million to help these programs.

Who Supported the Bill

Many people and groups supported the Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act. They believed it was important to keep Native American languages alive for future generations.

Tribal Leaders' Support

Leaders from Native American tribes showed their support for the bill. For instance, Bryan Brewer, who was the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, supported it. Cyril Scott, the president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, also supported the bill. Their support showed how important this issue was to their communities.

Congressional Support

Besides the senators who introduced the bill, other lawmakers in Congress also supported it. Senator John Walsh from Montana was another supporter in Congress.

See also

• Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act
• Language nest
• Language immersion
• Language education in the United States
• Less Commonly Taught Languages
• Indigenous languages of the Americas