The Development of Communicative Competence [Research and Development Needs and Priorities for the Education of American Indians]. A Position Paper.

Problems in the measurement of communicative competence of American Indian children are discussed in this position paper. Problems include the failure of traditional observations and measurements, and judgments by educators based on non-Indian experiences and expectations. Some trends in contemporary research concerned with these problems are noted: that reliance on standardized testing is being criticized as being inappropriate for minority children; that research combining various disciplines is in the process of development; and that a serious effort to build a theory of language pedagogy is emerging. Specific recommendations are given for (1) extensive investigations planned and directed only by Indian scholars, (2) training of tribal specialists, and (3) workshop sessions for specialists in various disciplines to work together in small-scale experiential efforts at developing curricular ideas for improving language skills. In addition, the training of Indian scholars is indicated as a step toward meaningful research. A 10-item bibliography of background articles is included along with 6 references. (PS)