Navajo Language Classes and Navajo History-Government

Learn about Navajo language, history, and government course offerings.

Navajo 1 and 2

• Grade(s): 9-12
• Prerequisites: Students taking Navajo II must have a passing grade in Navajo I. Students also must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and have a 506 and CIB data on file with the district.
• Additional Requirements: None
• Fees: None
• Dual Credit: Yes-IAIA

Would you like to learn a language spoken by grandparents, parents, and tribal leaders? This class teaches students to read and write Navajo and opens doors to understand Southwestern culture:

• This class will allow students to study Navajo culture, traditions, and language.
• Successful completion of both classes will qualify students for the district and state bilingual seals.
• This class satisfies the language requirement to be eligible for the Chief Manuelito Scholarship, which is given only to eligible Navajo students who have taken a Navajo class. Students also need 0.5 credit of Navajo Government (also offered at CEC) and a 3.0 GPA.

Navajo I (IAIA NAVJ101*): Introduces students to the basic skills – listening and speaking – and to the basic structures of Navajo taught within the cultural context. Areas of study include expression, comprehension, language and culture, language functions, connections and personal applications. Emphasis is placed on listening and speaking, communication skills, and cultural activities.

Navajo II (IAIA NAVJ102*): Language acquisition is a developmental process aimed at the ultimate goal of communication. Over time the student develops the ability to write and speak in a meaningful and appropriate manner. Navajo II continues the focus on the basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as encourages deeper appreciation of the Navajo culture and language. Areas of study include expression, comprehension, language and culture, cultures, language functions, connections, and personal applications. Emphasis is placed on applying oral, written, communication skills to personal, academic, and cultural activities.

Additional Course Information: IAIA Dual Credit may be available, but is not guaranteed.** IAIA Dual Credit is a possibility for those students who meet the requirements. Qualified students may earn credit for IAIA NAVJ101 and IAIA NAVJ102.

Session / Days / Times	Course Length	Credit Information
Session IA M, Tu & Thu Monday: 8:40-10:00 a.m. Tues & Thurs: 8:40-11:00 a.m.	Full year	Navajo I: 1.0 elective credit for Semester I Navajo II: 1.0 elective credit for Semester II
Session II Mon thru Fri: 1:40-3:10 p.m.	Full year	Navajo I: 1.0 elective credit for Semester I Navajo II: 1.0 elective credit for Semester II
Session IIIC (Online only) Mon thru Thurs: 6:00-8:00 p.m.	Full year	Navajo I: 1.0 elective credit for Semester I Navajo II: 1.0 elective credit for Semester II

Navajo 3 and 4

• Grade(s): 10th-12th
• Credits: 1.0 (Spring)
• Prerequisites: Students taking Navajo II must have a passing grade in Navajo I. Students also must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and have a 506 and CIB data on file with the district.
• Additional Requirements: None
• Fees: None
• Dual Credit: Yes-IAIA

Navajo III is an intermediate Navajo language course for students with previous exposure (e.g. Navajo I and Navajo II). This class will focus on the continued development of all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), with an emphasis on listening and speaking. The goal of this course is to develop Navajo language skills to be able to communicate at the intermediate level (low-mid). The course will use a communicative approach for students to learn about the fundamentals of conversation, vocabulary, and grammar. Lessons are enhanced with learning opportunities that connect families, community and school.

Navajo IV is a continuation of NAVAJO III and builds on those concepts. This class continues to focus on the continued development of all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), with an emphasis on listening and speaking. The goal of this course is to develop Navajo language skills to be able to communicate at the intermediate level (high). The course will use a communicative approach for students to learn about the fundamentals of conversation, vocabulary, and grammar. Students at this level are fully immersed with learning opportunities that connect families, community and school to prepare for the APS and State Bilingual Seals. Includes a portfolio and essay component.

Session / Days / Times	Course Length	Credit Information
Session IB Wed & Fri: 8:40-11:00 a.m. + Monday asynchronous online work	Full year	Navajo III: 1.0 elective credit for Semester I Navajo IV: 1.0 elective credit for Semester II

This page was last updated on: February 7, 2025.