Using the power of stories to engage students from under- represented populations Barbara Leigh Smith The Evergreen State College

Education Crisis Stagnant college attendance rates Increasing diversity in population Shortage of students from under represented groups in STEM fields Mismatch between learning theory on what works & much practice

) The Perfect Storm (ETS) Substantial disparities in skill levels -reading and math Seismic economic changes - widening wage gap Sweeping demographic shifts - less education, lower skills

Context for Native American Students More than 500 recognized tribes Many signed treaties with US Dramatic changes in US policies towards American Indians Ambivalence towards education Most under-represented and behind Now in an era of self determination & cultural revitalization

Key Features of Our Work Washington has 29 federally recognized tribes Evergreen long history of serving NA We produce & field test interdisciplinary Native Cases with teaching notes. 50+ cases available Partner Institutions-TESC, NWIC, SKC, GHC Annual 4 day summer institute for faculty One day workshops & presentations to colleges and high schools Very connected to related reform efforts

Why Native Cases? Fill a void in the curriculum Correct inaccuracies that lead to misunderstanding Expand literature written from a tribal perspective Meet tribal needs in era of community revitalization and self-determination Vehicle to share information between tribes on common dilemmas & solutions

Powerful approaches to learning Active, collaborative learning well validated by research Develops various skills Recognizes student knowledge Dissolves myth of silent “minority” students

What topics? Native Advisory Board helped identify topics Side benefit of creating connections Current emphasis on science & social science cases

Our Case Topics Sovereignty/treaty rights Intergovernmental relations Education Leadership Economic development Cultural preservation/renewal Indian enrollment & Indian identity Climate change Sustainability Salmon Energy Water/forestry Housing Land Health-diabetes, alcoholism, substance abuse, suicide

Faculty views of impact of cases (N=42. Smith 2010) Positive peer-to-peer relations-74% Better grasp of practical applications-74% Stronger critical thinking skills-84% Strengthen communication skills-79% Gain confidence working in groups-68% Cases positively impact my teaching effectiveness-54% Compatibility with my teaching style-98% Students find the format challenging-63%

Faculty Views of Native Cases Impact (Smith 2010) Native cases enhance scientific curriculum for Native students – 74% Agree Students feel curriculum is more culturally relevant – 80% Agree Students gain understanding of important issues in Indian Country – 90% Agree Native cases raise awareness of Non- Native students –82% Agree

What Our Students Say (N=55) The cases addressed important issues in my community - 95% I learned new things from students in my group – 91% Cases improve critical thinking skills - 100% Cases increased my understanding of important concepts such as citizenship, sovereignty, and identity - 100%

Ways to Become Involved Send faculty to our Summer Institute Host a one day workshop Use our cases ( Write cases Contact us:

References Educational Testing Service. (2007) America’s Perfect Storm: Three Forces Changing our Nation’s Future Enduring Legacies Native Cases Initiative at Lumina Foundation (2010). A Stronger Nation through Education National Science Board (2010). Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2010). Report to the President: Prepare and Inspire K-12 Education in STEM for America’s Future Seymour and Hewitt, (1997) Talking about Leaving: Why Undergraduates Leave the Sciences.