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The purpose of the workshop was to bring together preservice teachers, inservice teachers, and specialists in a collaborative, collegial environment. Inservice teachers in Native American schools have valuable experience and knowledge about the needs and strengths of Native American students. Preservice teachers, although they lack experience, have the opportunity to stay informed about new research-based philosophies and methodologies. Specialists provide support as the teachers -- preservice and inservice -- learn new skills. These materials are the result of such collaboration.

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Goals

1. To gain a common vision of the curriculum goals of the Four Directions Project and an understanding of how those goals support ongoing systemic reform efforts at 4D schools.

    

2. To become informed about research-supported, exemplary practices in curriculum and instruction.

    

3. To develop culturally relevant and technology enhanced lessons to be shared with the global educational community via the Internet.

    

4. To continue to build a sense of community and collegiality within the Four Directions Project that contributes to the sustainability of project goals.

Workshop Overview

 

Day One -- LEARN AND SHARE

 

Student teachers presented current research on constructivist learning theories, brain compatible instructional strategies, thematic instruction, and performance based assessment. Inservice teachers modeled lessons that incorporated these theories and models.

 

Day Two -- APPLY

 

Participants worked individually and in groups to develop exemplary lessons that reflect the principles discussed the previous day. Specialists in curriculum, culture, mathematics and science education, reading oral history, and technology integration were on hand for consultation and assistance.

 

Day Three -- CELEBRATE

 

Participants loaded the lessons they developed onto the workshop web site. Each participant showed the curriculum they developed to the group.