Policy Recommendations

Aligning and Improving Curriculum Standards

• In consultation with tribes/tribal education departments, develop culturally based curriculum, including Native language curriculum, and standards in alignment with state standards, and implement these through ongoing adequate and sustainable funding
• State will provide financial support for language nests, language survival schools, and language revitalization programs for Native languages

Designing Modern Learning Communities

• Recruit, train, and retain highly qualified and culturally competent AI/AN/NH teachers , including certification support
• Support before- and after-school programs and interrim school programs that are culturally appropriate and allow for the creation of alternative learning environments
• Examine the school day/year through policy experimentation directed by grants
• Include AI/AN/NH representation on education boards, departments, and committees at the state and federal level
• State education boards, departments, and offices will have meaningful consultation with tribes, Tribal Education Departments, and Indian Affairs Commissions to ensure school and community partnerships are identifying and addressing the educational needs of AI/AN/NH children and will secure tribal sign-off with any grants pertaining to culture
• Create incentives for AI/AN/NH teachers to become nationally board certified who are teaching in Native communities
• Support hiring preference for hiring AI/AN/NH teachers in highly AI/AN/NH populated areas in public schools

Early Childhood Education

• Implementing high quality early childhood education programs by accessing and coordinating early childhood federal, state, and tribal funds and mandating cultural congruence between Head Start and state curriculums
• Encourage states to fund and implement a voluntary universal pre-K for ages three and four with emphasis on areas with high need/high risk children

Strengthening Student and Community Supports

• State support for AI/AN/NH dropout prevention research and programs developed with community and tribal collaboration
• Promote tribal certification for teaching Native language and oral traditions
• Support early intervention programs and reevaluate current placement to reduce the disproportionate numbers of AI/AN/NH students identified as requiring special education services
• Establish an interim legislative committee on communities and children in poverty that would include all agencies (education, labor, health, justice, corrections) to solve issues associated with poverty
• RESEARCH