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Keyword: Communication

Native American Developmental Disabilities Needs Assessment

The purpose of this study was to better understand the needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) with developmental disabilities (DD). A secondary goal was to improve and/or expand services. Methodology included a survey and interviews with representative AI/AN samples. 

The study found a lack of resources supporting AI/AN individuals with DD and difficultly in accessing existing resources. The report lists recommendations including increased collaboration with AI/AN community members, increased availability of information regarding supporting agencies, sustained contact with AI/AN individuals and their families, education and training on developmental disabilities through tribal colleges and university Native American programs, and an inclusive center for information on AI/AN individuals and developmental disabilities. The report also includes contact information for existing resource and advocacy organizations for AI/AN individuals with DD and their families.

The American Indian Education KnowledgeBase

The American Indian Education KnowledgeBase is an online resource to aid education professionals in their efforts to serve American Indian (AI) students and close the achievement gap between AI students and other student subgroups. The website resource has four major components, with classroom activities to support each element – Element 1: Foundations and Current Status of American Indian Education; Element 2: American Indian Cultures; Element 3: Understanding Your School and Community; and Element 4: Use Culturally Responsive Teaching Methodologies.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education: Overcoming Gaps in Provincially Funded Schools

This report examines the programs and resources to support Aboriginal (i.e., indigenous student) education in provincially funded schools in Ontario, Canada, with a particular focus on schools with a high proportion of Aboriginal students. The report describes and illustrates achievement gaps between indigenous and non-indigenous students, discusses possible causes, such as resource gaps, and provides a series of recommendations for reduction of achievement disparities.

Classroom Language Models: A Leader’s Implementation Manual

This resource provides detailed guidance on implementing four early childhood classroom language models: (1) English with Home Language Support, (2) Dual Language, (3) Home Language as a Foundation for English Development, and (4) English. Suggestions are offered on how to provide effective leadership and ongoing professional development towards supporting teachers and improving child outcomes in Early Head Start, Head Start, or similar early childhood programs.

Gifted Native American Students – Overlooked and Underserved: A Long-Overdue Call for Research and Action

The researchers in this article conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on gifted Native Americans. Using focus groups from three American Indian tribes, assumptions about Native American students were reviewed and addressed with regard to identifying and serving gifted Native American Students. Data from three sites revealed differences and nuances among these three different population groups. The process resulted in more accurate and current assumptions for these three groups of students, as well as a replicable procedure for use with other Native populations. An initial research agenda was generated in collaboration with participants.