Announcement, Education, Employment

Opening Position at the Tohono O’odham Nation: Project Administrator

If you are an expert in school conversion, project planning, or have an expertise within Native education/BIE schools, please consider the opportunity in Arizona. The Tohono O’odham Nation’s Education Department in Sells, AZ is hiring a Project Administrator to oversee research, planning, and potential implementation for converting their four BIE schools on the Nation to tribally controlled schools.

Click here to see the official job announcement.

For more information, please contact: Frances Benavidez
Education Outreach Coordinator
Office: 520.383.8659  | Email: frances.benavidez@tonation-nsn.gov

Announcement, Culture, Education, Events, Hearing

TEDNA Partners with Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for Historic Event

TEDNA 016-sm

May 25th, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly signed a memorandum of understanding that expands collaboration and support between the agencies through shared resources, expertise and technical assistance to Tribal Education Departments involved in Oklahoma higher education initiatives.

“The State Regents and TEDNA share a mutual interest in improving educational opportunities and outcomes for American Indian and Alaskan native students,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “The State Regents are proud to formalize this partnership with TEDNA to further assist our state’s Tribal Education Departments as they seek to enhance higher education programs and services.”

“The promise that our Native American communities have access to higher education is now becoming a reality through this partnership with the State Regents,” said U.S. Congressman Tom Cole. “This collaboration will open the necessary doors and build the fundamental resources to expand and ensure success for college-educated Native Americans. I am proud to support this initiative, and I look forward to witnessing its success.”

TEDNA 018-sm

TEDNA supports higher education programs that provide opportunities for tribal nation populations, and the partnership agreement provides the framework for a concerted effort to promote college degree completion. TEDNA, the State Regents and Oklahoma institutions will continue to work collaboratively to ensure academic and social support resources are available to members of sovereign nations headquartered in Oklahoma.

“Partnering with the State Regents through the Reach Higher program is a great opportunity for Tribal nations and their education departments,” said Quinton Roman Nose, executive director of TEDNA. “The partnership ultimately works toward overcoming re-enrollment barriers affecting Native American students in higher education. This is one of many monumental steps that will benefit the future of Oklahoma and Indian Country. TEDNA is especially proud to engage with the OSRHE on such a historic collaboration.”

Article, Culture, Education

Michigan State Superintendent is seeking action against schools that won’t drop offensive mascots

Michigan – State Superintendent Brian Whiston is seeking to take actions against school districts that refuse to remove degrading mascots. The issue derived  from Paw Paw, when the school board still voted 4-3 to keep the district’s Redskins mascot and logo. Superintendent Whiston wants to fine school districts five to ten percent of their state aid as a repercussion for not dropping the racist or degrading mascot and logo.

To read the full story, click here.

Culture, Education, Reports, Research, Youth

Oklahoma American Indian Students Lead Nation in Math/Reading Scores

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s American Indian students continue to lead the nation in math and reading scores. The 2015 National Indian Education Study (NIES) released today shows significant gains in reading for Oklahoma fourth-graders, who scored 19 points above the national average.

To read the entire article, courtesy of Ponca City Now, click here.

Education, Youth

Failure of Care in Education has Led Tribe to Sue U.S.

Havasupai Elementary, one of the many  tribal schools that are facing poverty, high drop out rate, and some of the worst conditions on reservations is taking action against the U.S. Sheldon Manakaja, a council member said, “you have eighth graders reading and writing on a second-third-grade level.” The condition of the building reported mold, asbestos, faulty electrical systems, structural problems, and other deficiencies throughout the school. The Trump administration as not claimed a position on these schools. Nor has the Interior Department.

To read the entire article from The New York Times, click here.

Education

Peer Review for the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education is seeking highly qualified individuals to serve as peer reviewers of State plans. Peer reviewers will evaluate whether each State plan meets statutory and regulatory requirements and the degree to which each State plan will support the improvements within the areas of: consultation and performance management; academic assessments; accountability, support, and improvement for schools. If your State can improve from any of the areas mentioned above, then make a difference by applying to become a peer reviewer.

The link to the application click here.
Deadline for the application is January 27, 2017.