Native American/Indigenous Education
About
Our Indian Education program provides services and support for Native American and Indigenous students and families in Richfield Public Schools. We work to improve and support Native American and Indigenous student achievement and graduation rates through academically rigorous and culturally responsive instruction, collaborative partnerships, and family and student engagement. Here is a snapshot of activities that have taken place through our Native American and Indigenous Education program, specifically supporting our Indigenous families:
Classroom Support
- Culturally relevant books for all of our school media centers, supporting and validating Native heritage
- Professional development opportunities for RPS staff, to build cultural competency and knowledge of Native culture
- Classroom presentations for teachers to assist with culturally-appropriate education
- Culture trunks provided for teachers to use with lessons, incorporating hands-on activities
- Curriculum development and collaboration with the directors of elementary and secondary education to ensure culturally appropriate curriculum decisions
Family Support
- Annual cultural family events, including collaboration with the South of the River Pow Wow
- Free school supplies for K-12 Native American and Indigenous families to support learning and education
- Culturally relevant books for Native American and Indigenous students, supporting and validating their heritage
- Financial assistance for Native American and Indigenous students is available for pay-to-ride and other school-sponsored events.
- Support from the American Indian Education Coordinator during meetings with school administration
Student Support
- Students are connected with services to support their school and personal success
- Clubs and affinity groups are available for Native American and Indigenous students to join
- Special college tours and visits for Native American and Indigenous students
- ACT books and are provided to juniors to help them prepare for the college application process
- Graduation stoles for Native American and Indigenous graduates
Program Goals
Student Academic Goals
- 100% of Native American high school students will graduate in 2024.
- 50% of Native American high school students will earn credit in AP Human Geography.
- 50% of Native American high school students in grade 11 will take the ACT exam.
- 40% of Native American kindergarten students will reach grade level proficiently on the spring FastBridge reading assessment.
- 60% of Native American third grade students will reach grade level proficiently on the spring FastBridge reading assessment.
- 53% of American Indian eighth grade students will reach grade level proficiently on the spring FastBridge reading assessment.
Program Goals
- The Native American and Indigenous Education Coordinator will collaborate with elementary and secondary directors to ensure curriculum provided to schools is meeting the needs, interests and cultural heritage of Native American students.
- The Native American and Indigenous Education Coordinator will present to at least 10 classrooms throughout the year on topics pertaining to Native peoples, including culture and history.
- The Native American and Indigenous Education Coordinator will attend professional development opportunities and encourage relevant district-level staff to attend professional development opportunities pertaining to American Indian culture.
- Native American and Indigenous students will see themselves represented in school curriculum, media and family cultural events offered by RPS American Indian Education in order to positively reinforce the self-image of American Indian students.
- 50% of Native American and Indigenous students will attend at least one RPS Native American and Indigenous Education cultural family event.
- Native American and Indigenous students will receive the same opportunities and experiences that are offered to all RPS students..