Cultural Differences in Teaching Native Americans: Beyond Special Education Spirit Lake Consulting

Cultural Differences Before recommending a student for special education, teachers should be SURE a student really has a disability. Cultural differences may be the explanation for behavior problems and absenteeism in tribal school where the majority of teachers are Caucasian.

Ten Factors to help Native Americans Succeed in School 1.Difference between Native American Culture and School:  More hands-on activities  Field trips  Invite elders & tribal leaders into your classroom  Get involved in the tribal community  Learn the tribal culture and history

Factors … 2.Knowledge of Native American culture among school staff  Teachers attend more NA workshops  Students present cultural demonstration to staff and school  Invite elders to help at school/work together  Integrate NA culture with curriculum  Teachers share their culture with students

Factors … 3.Understanding between teachers’ and students’ values  Teachers need to listen to students and respect them  Do special things with students  Small group work  Teachers and students need to communicate, compromise, and treat each other like they would like to be treated  Plan special learning activities (e.g. field trips)  You don’t teach respect, you give respect. Be gentle and kind.

Factors … 4.Understanding Native American students’ learning styles  Tell more stories  Teach around subject  More hands-on activities  Cooperative/collaborative learning  Visual projects

Factors … 5.Better motivation of Native American students  More activities  Take time developing lesson plans to produce more creative learning  Education or learning parenting skills  Incentives for students  Pick the school counselor’s brain  Family counseling

Factors … 6.Language of students and teachers  Smaller groups  Matching students and teachers more efficiently  Being aware of difference  Patience  Don’t force your opinions on students  Learn their language

Factors … 7.Home and community problems  Get involved in Pow-wows  Getting in touch with the families  Providing a healthier environment at school  Promote wellness  Know community resources

Factors … 8.Appropriate use of tests with Native American students  Teach study skills  Develop different ways of teaching  Find a balance between daily work and tests for grading purposes  Develop a tutoring program

Factors … 9. Enter the classroom prepared to teach  Have high expectations for students  Have lesson plans prepared that address those high expectations, e.g., that teach how to do a research project  Hold students accountable for high expectations, explain assignments, how they will be graded and return graded work to students promptly

Factors … 10. Include culture in the curriculum  Write lesson plans that include the students’ culture  Attend workshops, purchase texts to better understand the students’ culture