English Language Arts
All students will be provided with challenging academic programs aligned to national, state, and local standards, such as Arizona State College and Career Readiness Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) in reading and writing, Navajo Diné standards, and other academic areas department standards such as mathematics and science standards. A direct link between Western education and Diné culture is provided to sustain Diné language and culture. The implementation of cultural teachings allows students to use their knowledge to benefit their community in the future.
The English Language Arts academic courses include English 9, English 10, English 11 and English 12. The ELA program focuses on skills and competency levels in literature, writing, speaking, and listening, reading, grammar, etc. These skills and competencies vary depending on grade level. The eras in literature also differ based on grade-level reading.
The READ180 Program is used to provide support for all readers which is aligned to individual Lexile reading scores. Additionally, trade books and other resources are used throughout each course, as well as ample opportunity to participate in projects and other activities related to the content of each course.
The courses aim to increase annual reading and writing fluency and growth, engage all students with relevant and productive instruction for life-long learners, and provide students with an inclusive learning environment where students are respected and safe. The courses also aim to provide increase focus on integrating Arizona English Lanaguage Arts, reading, and writing standards, develop critical thinkers and problem solvers for societal and global issues. Students will leave high school adequately prepared to enter college, trade school, or the workplace.
Courses aim to incorporate Diné language, history, and culture standards that promote the incorporation of Diné language, cultural values, and teachings into student’s academic and daily routines to solidify self-identity of students.
English 12 students take an assessment to determine placement into dual enrollment course with a community college. Once a student successfully passes the assessment, a student is eligible to take English 110-NTU or English 101 with Dine College as a dual enrollment course for college credit.
- English 9 Faculty – Ms. S. Kanaswood
- English 10 Faculty – Ms. S. Kanaswood
- English 11 Faculty – Dr. F. Walters
- English 12 Faculty – Dr. F. Walters
Navajo and Navajo Government
The Diné studies courses focus on the development of students’ cultural, academic, linguistic, and social needs though the incorporation of the Diné language, cultural values, and cultural teachings. The courses are designed to help students gain a greater sense of self identity which will ultimately increase academic achievement. In each course, the utilization of Diné language and teachings are practiced and encouraged daily. The program provides a descriptive model from the geographical roots to drive and practice the concepts of Są’ąh Naaghąí Bik’eh Hózhóón and T’ááhó’ájít’éego. The goals are to increase Diné language usage, increase knowledge of Diné history and culture, promote the incorporation of Diné language, cultural values, and teachings into student’s academic and daily routines; as well as improve self-identity of students. Courses offered include Navajo I, Navajo II, Diné culture, and Diné government.
- Dine’ Language I/ II/ III Faculty – Mrs. T. Richards
- Dine’ Government/History Faculty – Mrs. T. Richards
- Diné Culture – Mr. J. Begay
Social Studies
The Social Studies department focuses on the study of cultural parallels and diversities found within American society and the world. Students develop the skills necessary to become actively involved and informed citizens of the Diné Nation, state, United States, and the world. As a department, it is our intent to integrate the study of Navajo History and culture throughout World History/Geography, American History, and American Government/Economics courses.
Reading and writing literacy helps the students by encouraging them to understand and evaluate the society in which they live in. With these skills students will be able to be active members of their communities. By incorporating Diné standards, students can maintain a sense of cultural identity while being well versed in various cultures and literature of the world.
All students will develop the necessary competencies and skills that will enable students to make comprehensive decisions, problem solve, and become self-directed lifelong learners who function as citizens of the Navajo Nation, the United States and the world.
The courses aim to increase annual reading and writing fluency and growth, engage all students with relevant and productive instruction for life-long learners, and provide incorporation of Arizona state, Navajo Nation, National, and local standards. The courses also aim to provide increase focus on integrating Arizona English Lanaguage Arts, reading, and writing standards, develop critical thinkers and problem solvers for societal and global issues; and promote citizenship with civic participation and duties. Another goal is to incorporate Diné history and culture standards that promote the incorporation of Diné language, cultural values, and teachings into student’s academic and daily routines to solidify self-identity of students.
- World History/Geography Faculty – Ms. C. Dosayla
- American Government/Economics Faculty – Ms. C. Dosayla
- American History Faculty – Ms. C. Dosayla
Publications
This writing intensive course is focused on the development of articles, stories and other newsworthy items as published in the Knight Times, a bi-monthly newsletter. This course provides students with an opportunity to work in a team-oriented environment, gain writing/journalistic skills and the ability to create and design a newsletter for the community of Greyhills Academy High School. Students can also take photographs as a part of developing their articles.
Goals of the course also encompass the incorporation of reading and writing literacy and the incorporation of Diné language, history, and culture standards that promote the incorporation of Diné language, cultural values, and teachings into student’s academic and daily routines to solidify self-identity of students.
- Publications Faculty – Dr. F. Walters