ERIC Number: ED366636
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1993-Nov
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Evaluation of the Special Alternative Instruction Program.
Walters, Mandy; And Others
The third annual external evaluation of the Choctaw Special Alternative Instruction program is reported. The program has its roots in two efforts by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to improve their schools, an English-as-a-Second-Language education effort, and a curriculum implementation program. The Mississippi Band preserves many traditional customs and is aware of the need to retain their own heritage while preparing children for the demands of the future. The Special Alternative Instruction Program continued the prior curriculum reform efforts and promoted cultural awareness among teachers. The evaluation of this program was conducted in six elementary and one middle and secondary school in the reservation area. Program curriculum specialists in the schools stressed the whole language approach, promoted bilingual education, and implemented the new curriculum. Interviews with at least four teachers and three Choctaw aides from five schools indicate the effectiveness of the program specialists and program management. Achievement gains in language arts demonstrate program effectiveness. Recommendations for program continuation include a renewed emphasis on curriculum implementation and additional help for teachers bridging language and cultural differences. Seven tables present findings about student achievement. A list of recommendations includes continuing curriculum development, developing curriculum training for teachers and aides, and providing Choctaw language instruction for teachers. (Contains 4 references.) (SLD)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Achievement Gains, American Indians, Bilingual Education, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Background, Cultural Differences, Curriculum Development, Educational Change, Educational Improvement, Elementary Secondary Education, English (Second Language), Inservice Teacher Education, Interviews, Mississippi Band of Choctaw (Tribe), Nontraditional Education, Program Evaluation, Program Implementation, Teachers, Whole Language Approach
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mississippi
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A