Shawash-iliʔi Skul

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Shawash-iliʔi Skul was nominated

Shawash-iliʔi Skul stands out for its holistic approach to education, which integrates cultural revitalization, student-centered learning, and deep family engagement. By encouraging families to actively participate in their child’s education the school ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the home. This approach not only preserves the Chinuk Wawa language but also strengthens familial and community bonds. By fostering these connections, the school advances equity, empowers Indigenous students and their families, and creates a thriving environment where cultural and academic success go hand in hand.

Student experience design

The mission of the Shawash-iliʔi Skul is to create a decolonized classroom setting that honors the traditions and values of our Chinuk Wawa-speaking ancestors. We are dedicated to providing an immersive language learning experience for students, cultivating bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural individuals who are empowered to thrive in society. Our cultural and place-based academic curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and supportive community are designed to foster a love for learning and promote a sense of belonging among all students. We believe that the voices and stories of our families and community members are essential to our language revitalization efforts. Therefore, we prioritize intentional inclusion of families in our school, recognizing that their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping our educational approach. By centering family and community voices, we create a sense of ownership and agency among our students, allowing them to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and language. At Shawash-iliʔi Skul, we strive to create a nurturing environment that acknowledges and addresses the historical trauma and intergenerational impacts of colonization on our community. We recognize that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a powerful symbol of cultural identity, resilience, and hope. Our goal is to empower students to reclaim their linguistic heritage and become confident, compassionate, and culturally knowledgeable citizens who are equipped to contribute to the revitalization of their community.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Culturally Responsive Practices	5+ years
Dual Language Programming	5+ years
Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles	Less than a year
Restorative Practices	Less than a year

All Practices

Blended Learning

Community And Workforce Partnerships

Family And Community Support Services

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

Multi-age Classrooms

Project-based Learning

Trauma-informed Practices

key reasons for innovating