House passes bill that mandates use of Samoan language in
public school instruction
The House of Representatives has approved a Senate bill that mandates using the Samoan language for classroom instruction within public schools.
The bill originally called for the use of English “or” Samoan language for classroom instruction but an amendment was made and later passed to use English “and” Samoan languages for classroom instruction.
Currently, local law requires public school instruction to be carried out using the English language, although Samoan may be used, when necessary, to facilitate teaching the English language.
According to the bill, the DOE director “shall ensure utilization of the Samoan language as the language of instruction where more appropriate to the subject matter.”
DOE Director Dr. Claire Poumele, who supports the measure, has explained that the majority of the students (90%) from kindergarten to level 3 understand the Samoan language while the text books are in English. Therefore, the Samoan language is being used in the classrooms to ensure that those students understand the subject matter.
She said that Samoan is being used as an option for teachers who use it as they see fit in their teaching methods, especially in the lower grade levels.
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