(Image source from: Prairie Business magazine)
This past fall, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction to better understand the needs of their Native American students, as well as incorporate more Native culture into their classroom instruction for the first time, administered a survey to identify Native students needs to teachers and paraprofessionals in 29 schools in the state. Previously, it was only sent to principals and superintendents.
The survey as well was sent to four urban school districts in North Dakota—Bismarck, Mandan, Fargo, and Grand Forks—who serve a large number of Native students.
The survey results and action plan were discussed during the North Dakota Indian Education Summit on Thursday, July 12, at the state Capitol. More than 160 educators, administrators and others registered for the summit, which continues Friday.
The survey, formally called the Native American Needs Assessment, was first sent out three years ago, according to Lucy Fredericks, director of DPI's office of Indian and multicultural education.
DPI held a focus group with teachers from Native American schools to determine how the survey could be improved. The focus group was asked about what topics should be addressed: In response, it was suggested that the survey is expanded to include questions about family engagement, bullying, mental health and other topics.
At the summit, some attendees discussed the survey results and needs of their schools. A group of administrators from Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain spoke about the lack of behavioral health professionals in their schools. Two administrators said they have had to transport students themselves to get them the help that they need.
The survey was divided into four categories: Culturally responsive curriculum and instruction, school climate, social, mental and behavioral well-being and professional development opportunities.
An action plan was created based of the results on the survey, and it includes resources for teachers.
Fredericks said the theme of the summit was to help teachers learn how they can integrate Native American cultures into their classrooms.
By Sowmya Sangam
