Native Americans, A culture in academic need.

Overview of Culture Men were hunters, gathers, trade, farmers Women tended to the house, children, grew berries and vegetables, made medicine and dyes from the herbs Lived off the land and never wasted anything Made from animals: fur, clothing, dyes and ink, food, bones for instruments, skin for drum skin, Believed lost ones reincarnated into an animal, there for they worshiped animals Respected nature and the earth Never owned land independently only communally.

Challenges for Indians: It was a very trying time for the Indians in the 180’s-1900’s. They faced many educational challenges/limitations and the White Americans showed no consideration for making changes that were needed (Lomawaima, Tsianina, and McCarty 2006). Communication played a large role in the growing problem for these students.

History of Native Americans Were on the Northern American Territory in 1942 when the first European settlers came. The Indians were forced off the land by the Europeans when they couldn’t conform to their cultural differences. The Europeans brought great sickness to the tribes. The Government eventually appointed land and ownership to the tribes and these reservations still exist today. Native Americans struggled and still do with the cultural changes.

There was a report generated (Meriam) by the Institute of Government Research that looked into the education of the Native Americans and the inadequacy of it (Lomawaima, Tsianina, and McCarty 2006). Due to this report there was reforms put into action that would aid in improvement for these students and the quality of their schools. MERIAM REPORT This led to the hiring of teachers who were more qualified to teach. This Meriam Report brought to the table equality between the whites and Native American students that was necessary. This enticed respect of this culture and even made possible healthy and adequate lunches for children in these schools. Overall it was a great aid or the Native American students.

Inclusion Practices: First of all we must educate ourselves on their culture. Teaching their culture in school also shows them we value their historical attributes and respect their culture enough to learn it. Since 1972, the state constitution has said that it "recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians and is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity." (Zehr, 2008 para. 8).

Human Relations Approach One approach that can be taken is the human relations approach. During this approach the teachers are focused on the cohesiveness of the students working together in a diverse setting. This approach enables the students to prepare for working together in a diverse society upon graduation.

“There are five ways that school faculties can improve human relations in the school: (1) encourage harmonious interaction between groups of students by emphasizing the value of different approaches to problems; (2) provide opportunities for role playing by students to increase the depth of their understanding of other people and develop a readiness to participate actively with their classmates; (3) stay aware of the personal problems students are facing in their private lives and accept the responsibility for being an adult role model; (4) provide an example of willingness to change personal attitudes and accommodate other members of the school family; and (5) maintain good rapport with the community and uphold a good image for school community relations” (Riley, 2013 Para. 1).

Hegemony in the schools Bond tells us that in public school systems students are made to assimilate to the European culture (Bond, 2012). Hegemony has proven to be problematic in the diverse educational society. Not all students are the same and particularly, Native Americans have different culture traditions and lifestyles typically. Thereis a great deal of unintentional segregation going on that could be dealt with more productively if we focused on the learner and not just the goal or standard we are trying to meet. So in this situation, in regards to Native Americans, we must take an individualistic approach to teaching these students.

Parent involvement Wardle states that one of the most effective ways to create cultural student success is through developing strong partnerships between families and the school (Wardle, 2013).

Parent, Student, Community Involvement = success Wardle states that in 2007 the National PTA revised its parent-involvement program, renaming it, The National Standards of Family-School Partnerships, shifting the focus from what schools should do to involve parents, to how families, schools, and communities can work together to support student success (Wardle, 201 pg. 346).

Culture Night(Community based learning) I have created a community based learning project that greatly improves the linking together of the students, parents, and community for these Native Americans. Culture Night, this will consist of students projects that are made in class on their culture, guest speakers of this culture and a presentation night for all community/family members to attend. There will be cultural food and art on display or the attendees. This helps integrate all the aspects of this culture in a fun way with everyone’s involvement.

Culture based Curricula Individualized assessments must be performed to incorporate expectations that are attainable by the students, and these must be explained in detail to the student as well as the parents. Communication is Key!

Native American Success Plan This plan must incorporate education of the culture on behalf of the teachers and community. Individualistic approaches to teaching and grading is also mandated to give equal opportunities to these students. Equitable grading and classroom assignments must be implemented for these students to meet the curriculum goals. A respectful and helpful approach must be taken by everyone involved in the learning process for Native American students.

References: Bond, Kanzie, (2012). Multicultural Hegemony in the Public School System: Retrieved from hegemony-in-public-school.html Lomawaima, Tsianina, and McCarty To Remain an Indian. Lomawaima, Tsianina, and McCarty Riley, Bob Human Relations in Education: Its Time Has Come. Retrieved at on August 10, Wardle, F. (2013). Human Relationships and Learning in the Multicultural environment. San Diego CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Zehr, M. A. (2008). Native american history, culture gaining traction in state curricula.Education Week, 28(11), 1-1, 12. Retrieved from