Leodis V. McDaniel High School – Somali Native Language Literacy

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

This native language literacy class is designed to increase students’ knowledge of Somali language and proficiency through the four communication skill domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The primary focus in the Somali Native Language Literacy class will be learning academic writing styles through Somali language, demonstration of the rules of grammar in this language, and the ability to express orally. In this class students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts including short stories and poetry. Increasing students’ awareness and understanding of Somalia as a people and the rich geographical, historical, cultural and political contexts from which they come and currently live are critical for developing advanced level language and cultural proficiency. The goal of the course is for students to build advanced level Somali language and literacy skills and positive linguistic and cultural identity in pursuit of the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy at graduation from high school. This course will move students towards the Advanced Low level proficiency in all 4 skill domains (reading, writing, listening and speaking) on ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (national standards) with the end goal of students earning the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy at graduation. Students will be assessed at the beginning of the course to determine targeted outcome for year 1.