State leaders hear Swinomish Tribe thoughts on literacy and education

The state's top educators want to learn why some Native American students struggle with literacy more than their peers, so they're traveling the state to hear from families.

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community gym was the second stop for Henry Strom, executive director of the Office of Native Education for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and his staff. They came from an information-­gathering session in Yakima. Next, they'll talk to Native educators in Suquamish.

About 50 Swinomish parents, children, tribal elders and La Conner School District leaders came to Native Family Literacy Night May 23 to offer suggestions over frybread and chili, get free books and play Lushootseed bingo.

"We have a legislative proviso to look at literacy of Native kids and provide technical support to schools," Strom said. "We hope to get feedback from parents and kids, what works, what barriers they face. We know Natives are challenged with literacy, but we think it's (an education) system issue, not just a Native issue."

OSPI offered a table of children's books. Jennifer Peters from Swinomish Behavioral Health and La Conner Middle School/High School prevention specialist Christine Valdez spoke about the importance of early childhood literacy. Research shows that third grade is a critical time for young readers' comprehension and development of a lifelong interest in reading.

Strom and his OSPI colleagues asked the crowd, "How do you define your student's success that might be different than traditional measurements? What keeps your child engaged and coming to school? Are there cultural ways to help you feel more connected to school?"

Participants chimed in with feedback.

One student said his friends and favorite teachers keep him engaged with their support.

In a nod to outgoing Superintendent Will Nelson, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, parents and elders said they want to see more tribal teachers, assistants and volunteers in the schools, a tribal student representative on the school board and younger tribal members serving on the elected school board.

"Kids see the value of seeing a tribal member working in the school as a role model," one parent said.

Another wanted to see more Lushootseed speakers and an indigenous curriculum for the district. Beth Clothier, La Conner School District's director of teaching and learning, perked up at the ideas.

"I'd love to get Lushootseed into the elementary school," Clothier said. She listened intently to the suggestions.

The audience got a useful language lesson when Olivia Bailey, who teaches Lushootseed at La Conner High School, called bingo using Lushootseed words and their English translations. Players giggled when she called "underwear."

"You know, what you wear under your clothes," Bailey said with a laugh.

Rounding out the evening, Sovereign Bill, the voice of the PBS Kids cartoon "Molly from Denali," read stories to enchanted children. Bill, 19, is the only Native actor who plays a Native character lead on a current television show.