• What is Indian Education for All? (from OPI website)

    Who needs to learn about Indian Education for All?
    It's for every Montanan. It is for every school district. It is for every student to be provided an opportunity to learn about their tribal neighbors.

    Did You Know?
    In 1972 language was added to the Montana Constitution Article X, Section 1(2): The state recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians and is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of
    their cultural integrity. #)
    To codify the state constitution, in 1999 the Legislature passed House Bill 528 into law -- MCA 20-1-501 -- what has
    become known as Indian Education for All. Every Montanan... whether Indian or non-Indian, be encouraged to learn about the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians in a culturally responsive manner. ... all school personnel should have an understanding and awareness of Indian tribes to help them relate effectively with Indian students and parents. ...Every educational agency and all educational personnel will work cooperatively with Montana tribes...when providing instruction and implementing an educational goal. (data.opi.mt.gov/bills/billhtml/HB0528.htm)

    How do schools implement Indian Education for All?
    •  Montana's accreditation standards provide guidelines for the implementation of Indian Education for All. www.opi.mt.gov/IndianEd/EdforAll.html
    • School Trustees must have an approved policy for Indian Education for All and a plan for curriculum development and teacher training.
    •  Indian Education for All and Indian student achievement are closely linked. Schools that reflect the cultures they serve support student learning. When teaching about contemporary and historical issues related to American Indians, the information should be accurate and tribal specific. Assessment of American Indian students' progress, attendance, parent support, and high school completion rates can also be used as barometers for successful implementation of Indian Education for All.


      • Where are resources to implement Indian Education for All?
      Visit the OPI Indian Education Web site at www.opi.mt.gov/IndianEd to find resources, sample lessons, and helpful publications. The OPI is working with educators from across the state to develop teacher-friendly model lessons to help schools implement Indian Education for All. The model lessons will be posted on the OPI Indian Education Web site as they become available.

      Speakers
      Montana Committee for the Humanities Speakers Bureau (406) 243-6022 or www2.umt.edu/lastbest/Speakers.htmTribal Colleges and Tribal Education Directors at www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/DirIndianEd.pdf.Visiting Artists Montana Arts Council (406) 444-6430 or www.art.mt.gov

       
       
Last Modified on March 9, 2016