Empowering students through language: ‘Heritage Learners’ classes help students embrace their identity, culture and heritage

How language courses at Burnsville High School help students feel seen, respected and proud of their heritage

Heritage Learners courses offered at Burnsville High School (BHS) are designed for students for whom Spanish or Somali is their native or heritage language. The classes provide students with the opportunity to expand their proficiency, while also developing and strengthening reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students also learn appropriate use of the language in both academic and professional settings.

Any student can enroll in the classes per instructor approval, but the courses are designed with the native or heritage speaker in mind as they aim to improve students’ literacy skills and boost their oral communication. Just as importantly, students gain confidence in their identity while learning about their heritage, culture and language.  

SPANISH FOR NATIVE AND HERITAGE LEARNERS

When teacher Javier Blazquez started teaching Spanish classes at BHS 14 years ago, he quickly recognized that the classes did not meet the needs of native speakers. Spanish-speaking students seemed bored in the classroom and disengaged with coursework. As a native speaker himself, Blazquez was not surprised. 

“These kids were in a classroom alongside English speakers learning how to say ‘hello’ and ‘how are you,’" said Blazquez. “They already knew the language.” 

So Blazquez got to work and began developing the curriculum for a native and heritage learners Spanish class, which was launched just two years later. 

Through the years, Blazquez has witnessed the positive shift in both student learning and behavior. 

“Not only do students learn to read or write better in Spanish and feel more confident using their language, but they also learn about the culture and history of Mexico and South American countries—helping them better understand who they are and where they came from,” said Blazquez. “Many students feel proud after taking this class because they feel seen and their bilingual skills are valuable. It helps them in school and at home, and it will also help them with future jobs or college opportunities.”

The class has welcomed students with cultural roots from nearly a dozen different countries. It connects students to their heritage by exploring stories, music, traditions, geography, real-life experiences of students and their families, and accounts of well-known or historical figures. There are a variety of hands-on projects, many of which are self-directed, that help students not only learn about their heritage but also the history and culture of other countries. 

Since the class includes students who are both native speakers and students who understand and speak the language because they grew up listening to the language, there are varying language proficiencies in the class. 

“Some students speak fluently but need help with grammar or writing, while others understand the language but don’t often use it in an academic or professional environment,” said Blazquez. “I use a variety of strategies to differentiate instruction and every student feels comfortable to make progress at their own pace.”

Blazquez added, “While I make the student groups flexible and often give choices for assignments, the students are great at helping and supporting each other, too.” 

“This class makes me feel confident in my language. I can speak and express myself better in my native language,” said Valeria Pineda Namicela, 9th grade. 

Kerly Arevalo Condor, 9th grade, added: “This class helps us improve our language and spelling. It also introduces us to the culture and foods of different countries.”

“The assignments have helped me improve my communication skills, and Mr. Blazquez is good at explaining things,” said Randy Benalcazar Chavez, 9th grade.

SOMALI FOR NATIVE AND HERITAGE LEANERS

One difference between the Spanish and Somali classes is that students in the Somali class, for the most part, are heritage learners not native speakers. 

Sahro Abdullahi, who was initially hired to teach English Language Learner (ELL) students, was asked if she’d be interested in teaching a Somali for Native and Heritage Learners class. At that time, only the Spanish courses existed for native or heritage learners.   

Abdullahi enthusiastically accepted the challenge and with the help of the District 191 Teaching and Learning Department, she developed a curriculum. In 2023, the first Somali class was offered. 

There was such a positive response to the class that she had to begin developing a second level to the class.  

The class teaches Somali heritage, culture and language. Students develop Somali language skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking, while gaining confidence in their identity.  

Abdullahi, affectionately referred to as “habo” (auntie) by her students, creates lessons that are meaningful and connected to the students’ experiences. She covers the history of Somalia, from colonization through independence and civil war through migration, so students understand how their families landed in Minnesota. Creative and interactive activities — including cultural and historical research projects, presentations, short stories, folktales, proverbs, poems, writings, storytelling, quizlets, performances and more — not only explore the language but help students feel proud of their cultural roots.

Through these culturally-rich activities, students build strong language and communication skills, deepen cultural understanding and find their sense of belonging.

“Students can proudly say, ‘This is my identity. This is where I came from,’” said Abdullahi. 

Abdirisak Yussuf, 11th grade, feels that there is a strong sense of community in the class. He also feels closer to his heritage and family. Before taking the class, he did not know any Somali. Last year, he visited his family in Somalia and was able to communicate with them.

11th-grader Sabrina Yasin, decided to take the class because she wanted to learn about her culture and feel connected to Somalia. 

“Ms. Abdullahi’s class is a judgement-free zone. I was really shy and she helped me with that. This is just a comfortable environment where everyone feels included.” 

Her favorite part of the class is the connection she has with the other students.

“This is just everybody’s story,” she said. 

Sabir Sheikh, also in 11th grade, has learned a lot about Somalia – the history, customs and language. He feels more confident using Somali inside and outside of school. 

“The class makes me feel proud and confident in my identity, and I feel more comfortable speaking in Somali and expressing my culture around others. It reminds me that being Somali is something beautiful to celebrate, not to hide.” 

He added, “This is a great space for Somali and non-Somali students to come together, share experiences and learn from each other. It builds understanding and respect among us.”

A REFLECTION OF DISTRICT 191 CORE VALUES 

The Spanish and Somali Native and Heritage Learners courses support District 191’s vision to provide transformative learning experiences that mirror students’ own stories. 

District 191 core values are represented in the course by students feeling seen, valued and respected (Caring Community); understanding and responding to cultural uniqueness of students, and adapting education to meet the needs of each student (Cultural Proficiency); students being better equipped for future opportunities by being multilingual (Future Readiness); students taking ownership of their learning and expressing their identity through language and projects (Student Agency); and by the course building connections between students, families and the broader community (Inclusive Partnership).