1. ZAIS MODEL FOR CURRICULUM DESIGN © from Igniting the Sparkle, by Gregory Cajete, Ph.D., 1999
The Zais Model for Curriculum Design is an excellent tool for the development of culturally-responsive science and math.
It is composed of four pairs of components and foundations which are inter-related.
The model allows for a comprehensive understanding and application of curriculum design in a school.

2. First Foundation: Epistemology
Epistemology is the “guiding” philosophy of a curriculum. It describes how a culture views knowledge. It forms a philosophical foundation for how teacher and learner may approach an educational process.
It includes kinds of “embedded” knowledge, symbols, metaphors and orientations that are cultural in nature.

3. First Component: Aims - Goals
Integrate cultural perspectives within the curriculum.
Reinforce, support and strengthen student skills in science and math.
Validate, affirm and build upon “funds of knowledge” that students bring with them.
Develop ties to students’ family/community.

4. Aims - Goals Continued
Help facilitate a sense of affective “situated-ness” of what is learned in the lives and culture of students. Empower students to take ownership for their education. Finding face, heart and foundation through what they are learning.
Address standards for science and math education in relevant and creative ways

5. Foundation II: Society /Culture
Who is the “audience” of the curriculum?
What are the social and cultural factors that affect the students, teachers, community and school in which the curriculum will be administered ?
Native societal/community needs and expectations … contemporary Native culture.

6. Component II: Content Native Perspectives of Science and Math.
Western Science and Math Principles.
Themes and Topics based on Science and Math Scope and Sequence.
Interdisciplinary perspectives through art, social science, literature and philosophy.

7. Foundation III: The Learner
Native cultural personality configurations.
Field-Sensitive Learner.
Participatory, Collaborative, Experiential Learning Orientations.
Affective Learning Methodologies
Student Peer Psychology.

8. Component III: Learning Activity
Brain Patterned Methodologies.
Experiential and Service Learning.
Community Based Research.
Multi-sensory Learning.
High Context Learning.

9. Foundation IV: Learning Theory
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences.
Creative Learning Theories.
High / Low Context Communication.
Visual Philosophy.
Critical Pedagogy.
Indigenous Education: An Evolving Theory
Science/Math Learning Theories

10. Component IV: Evaluation
Science and Math Learning Assessment
Teacher Assessment
Student Assessment
Administrative Assessment
Community Assessment
Culturally - Based Assessments

11. Component IV: Evaluation
Science and Math Learning Assessment
Teacher Assessment
Student Assessment
Administrative Assessment
Community Assessment
Culturally - Based Assessments