BACKGROUND and HISTORY

   In 1973, Bill 269 was passed by the 12th Guam Legislature and signed into Guam Public Law (PL) 12-31 by Governor Carlos Camacho. The law authorized the Guam Board of Education to "initiate and develop a Bilingual - Bicultural Program emphasizing the language and culture of the CHamoru people." In 1977, Guam PL 14-53, later amended by PL 15-9, PL 21-34, and now PL 31-45, were enacted to provide CHamoru language and culture instruction to our public school students. 

    In a 1977 document, the ESAA Project Chamorro Language & Culture Program Public Law 92-318 states: “The Department of Education has taken the lead in advancing the revival and preservation of the Chamorro Language and Culture and extended the benefits of the program to as many students as possible in the system.” The sentiments of this statement continue today.

   Title 17 Division, 2 Chapter 8 of the Guam Code Annotated, establishes the permanent laws of Guam relative to and in force in Guam regarding the CHamoru language and Culture Education. Chapter 8 Chamoru Language & Culture _Guam Code Annotated - - Universal Citation: 17 Guam Code §§ 8101 - 8107 (2023)

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Kolehion Mandikike’ Project, Bilingual-Bicultural Program (1970): The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title VII, and the Department of Education funded the program to study the effects of bilingual education.

• CHamoru Studies and Special Projects Division: ensures each student understands and values the CHamoru language and Culture and can meaningfully contribute to solving local and global issues. CHSSPD has implemented several programs throughout the years:

• CHamoru Language and Culture Program (CLCP)(1973): Originally funded by the Emergency School Aid Act, the program aimed “to revive, maintain and allow students the opportunity to acquire knowledge of his language and culture unique to Guam.”  The CLCP, through Guam PL 14-53, later amended by PL 15-9, PL 21-34, and now PL 31-45, was enacted to provide CHamoru language and culture instruction to our public school students. The Guam Education Board Policy 346 requires CHamoru language and Culture to be taught at least 100 minutes per week at the primary level (PreK-3rd Grade) and 150 minutes at the intermediate level (Grades 4th -5th). As a graduation requirement, the CHamoru language & Culture and Guam history courses must be taken for one year in middle and high school. 

• Traditional Arts Classes—Chamoru Dance (2011): Traditional Chamoru dances are taught in Middle and High GDOE Public Schools, where students can showcase ancient and periodic Chamoru dances. 

• Faneyåkan Sinipok: CHamoru Medium/Immersion Program (2019): Centered on developing CHamoru language proficiency skills of students and going on its 5th year (SY ‘23-’24), Faneyåkan Sinipok teaches all content areas through the CHamoru language. There are 50+ students from Kindergarten to  4th grade with five (5) teachers. In partnership with Chief Hurao Academy, the program also offers CHamoru language classes for parents to create a Chamoru language-immersive environment for the students outside the classroom. 

• Professional Development Training: Professional development training, workshops, and conferences are available to all our regular and substitute teachers. Topics include orthography, classroom best practices, Second language acquisition, and language immersion training.

• Materials Development: GDOE, CHSSPD develops materials for the CHamoru language and culture classes. It has distributed supplementary books, workbooks, posters, and flashcards to aid CHamoru’s instruction. 

• CHamoru Language and Culture Outreach, Events, and Activities: GDOE CHSSPD develops, implements, and participates in activities, programs, and events that promote the language and Culture in the community. 

• Fino’ CHamoru Column (discontinued in 2023) was published in the Pacific Daily News (printed edition) Comic Section from Monday to Saturday. CHSSPD provided different content, such as activities, trivia, poems, and stories, all in the CHamoru language.

• Silibrasion Gupot CHamoru/Mes CHamoru is celebrated in March and is among the most popular language and cultural pride celebrations. GDOE CHSSPD hosts different islandwide activities and events featuring CHamoru classwork exhibits, food tasting, and many more. Mes CHamoru celebrations have thrived in the community, prompting it as a marketing tool or event for businesses islandwide.