The author lists 40 resources intended for use by either elementary or secondary school students and teachers that examine cultural diversity and how different cultures have impacted American history. Books and videotapes examine the importance of cultural diversity, present curricula promoting multiculturalism, and explore the problems of ethnic…

A proposed educational finance system for the Northwest Territories, a rural area with a predominantly aboriginal population, appears to combine equity, adequacy, efficiency, and choice. The system pays actual costs for an agreed level of service, allows local discretion in resource allocation, and provides training and policy support to…

Describes a school reform project of the National Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence that studies teaching approaches and supporting activities for Zuni middle and high schools to encourage high expectations for all students. Principles of effective teaching for Native Americans are explored. (SLD)

American Indians have long held that learning is most effective when it is relevant to one's culture and the community is included in the educational process. Discusses developing and sustaining effective community-school alliances, including five components for ensuring success; six effective educational reform practices; the role of technology…

Surveys 16 tribal community-college presidents to gauge their perceptions of the impact of Ernest L. Boyer's 1989 Special Report on Native America's tribal community colleges. Asserts that veteran presidents need to mentor their new colleagues regarding this important document, and that the presidents should reassess Boyer's recommendations and…

Examined public attitudes toward a frequently-objected-to football team name, the Redskins. Data from a national and a local survey indicate that few members of the general public see any need to change the name. Support for a name change is significantly higher among racial or ethnic minorities, the more highly educated, and those who are not…

Draws on interviews with 50 urban American Indians to examine how foster-care placements compromised former foster children's ability to parent their own children. Discusses the influence of parental drinking on family life, leading to child neglect and foster-care placement; differing experiences of foster children raised by extended family…

Evaluates elementary students' ideas about Native Americans as revealed by two studies. Illustrates how the students' knowledge of Native Americans progressed from stereotyped images, to realistic and empathetic views, to the loss of information and empathy as new topics were introduced. Reveals that the traditional curriculum reinforced this…

Identifies key elements used in a comprehensive effort to establish anti-racism as a core value in the Newton (Massachusetts) Community School District. A professional-development course on anti-racism and effective classroom practices provided a common language and conceptual framework for moving to actively inclusive practices. Contains 11…

Reports on establishment of the Alliance for Equity in Higher Education to promote the interests of 175 Hispanic-serving institutions, 118 historically Black colleges and universities, and 31 tribal colleges and universities. The Alliance seeks to increase student financial assistance, promote fair and inclusive college admission standards,…

Describes a community-initiated study of student motivational influences in Fountain Hills Unified School District (Arizona), which receives Yavapai students from nearby Fort McDowell Indian Community. Discusses collaboration between the school district and Indian community, quantitative results on student motivation and long-term effects of high…

Describes the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) efforts to develop a comprehensive five-year plan that will change the way all HHS agencies deal with tribal colleges. Summarizes the conference held in Phoenix in January 1998 that brought tribal college presidents and departmental officials together to find common ground for developing…

Asserts that tribal colleges play a pivotal role in both the cultural resilience and in addressing the health problems of a tribal community. Relates Oglala Lakota College (South Dakota) Department of Nursing's leadership role in the development of community resources and identification of private and federal sources of funding. (VWC)

Summarizes the focus of this Tribal College issue, which addresses the need for specialized education to meet American Indian students' individual needs. States that standardized tests are not effective measures and that special education evaluation and referrals are not a neutral, objective process. Asserts that the answers lie in individual…

Describes alternatives to the standard special education approach of assessment, referral, and placement. Provides three guiding principles that personalize the assessment process. Proposes solutions: meeting with parents to plan for student success, assembling a team of professionals to review and solve problems, and establishing formal…