A unique opportunity for kindergarten through fifth grade students to be immersed in Navajo language and cultural education is available through The Dual Language Program at Eva B. Stokely Elementary of the Central Consolidated School District in Shiprock, NM. This program is available to any student interested, unlike traditional bilingual programs where students must qualify to be enrolled. The Dual Language program is structured so students are fully immersed in Navajo Language and cultural instruction for half of each day, and receive traditional instruction in the English language for math, reading, and writing the other half of each day. Eva B. Stokely Elementary Principal Terri Benn stressed that the program not only benefits the students by teaching them a second language, but also offers invaluable lessons of personal and cultural identity.
