[EDLING:531] Info on Aboriginal language study in Australia?

[Francis M Hult]

I recently came across the article below on Aboriginal language Study in
Australia.  Does anyone have information on developments?

What kinds of educational language initiatives are underway in other parts
of the world right now?   Maybe we could use the list to keep each other
up to speed on the latest information.

Francis

***
The Australian

Aboriginal Language Studies and Australian Schools

ABORIGINAL language studies will become a major part of the school
curriculum in an Australian first that takes indigenous education to a new
level across New South Wales.
The formal lessons in Aboriginal languages will be driven by demand from
local communities, but it is hoped thousands of non-indigenous students
will support the program. NSW Education Minister Andrew Refshauge today
will launch a new syllabus for mandatory and elective courses in
Aboriginal languages for students from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Students in Government and independent schools will be able to study an
Aboriginal language subject in primary school, for their School
Certificate and for the HSC.  Initiatives to teach and revive the state's
70 indigenous languages will be spearheaded by specialists who will help
teachers in the classroom.

Under the new policy:

* A KINDERGARTEN to Year 10 syllabus will be introduced from 2005,
enabling any student in the state to study an Aboriginal language;

*MORE than $1 million already has been spent establishing an
Aboriginal Languages Research and Resource Centre providing technical
support to indigenous communities;

*AN Aboriginal languages database will become available to schools
and communities from 2005; and

*NEW guidelines will help Aboriginal communities trying to revive
or teach their local language

Education sources indicated yesterday that primary schools could spend at
least half an hour a week on Aboriginal language lessons.

At Darlington Public School, children already are learning how to count,
sing and identify body parts in the Wiradjuri language. Teachers said
reaction had been positive, but they were careful not to "tread on the
toes" of community members who were not supportive.

Primary principal Cheryl McBride said the syllabus would give Aboriginal
pupils a sense of pride and recognition.  Opposition spokeswoman Jillian
Skinner also supported the plan, as long as core subjects were not
neglected.

It is understood about 80 schools have applied for resources to run the
programs; about 25 are being funded.  Dr Refshauge said learning a
language helped improve comprehension and literacy.

Source:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10289061%255E421,00.html