Indian Student Achievement

American Indian Student Achievement

The American Indian Student Achievement (AISA) unit provides supports for programs in K-12 education related to Indian education in Montana. AISA operates within applicable policies, procedures, laws, and rules of the State of Montana, specifically MCA 20-9-330 American Indian Achievement Payment Gap and MCA 20-1-502 American Indian Studies - Definitions.

AISA’s goal is to assist all school agencies within Montana to create positive learning environments that serve the whole child and foster a positive identity. AISA is committed to working with students, families, schools, Tribes and communities.

Mission statement: The AISA team strives to create the conditions necessary to close the American Indian student achievement gap by supporting the implementation of evidence-based and distinct Indigenous, whole child strategies within the K-12 public education system to create pathways for Indigenous youth, and all Montana students, to meet their educational and lifelong goals.

AISA Specialists believe every student and individual:

  • Is inherently worthy and valuable
  • Always exists in a matrix of relationships
  • Has their own story and shared stories
  • Has the capacity to learn
  • Has the capacity to change their behaviors
  • Impacts their school and community

Guiding principles in approaching all AISA activities:

  • Always be a good relative
  • Involve youth & Elders/Knowledge Keepers at every level
  • Utilize strength-based approaches
  • Respect sovereignty: Ask for approval from tribal councils and keep them involved in the process and ensure data sovereignty
  • Honor the lived experiences of all involved in supporting American Indian student success
  • Be explicit in explaining all partners roles and responsibilities

The Indigenous Whole Learner Relational Framework

Shared Strategies to Support American Indian Students

Indigenous Morning Greetings Project

Restorative Practices in Schools Guide

Graduate Profile Guidance for Tribal Engagement

Creating a Safe and Connected School Climate for Indigenous Students

Culturally Holistic School Framework

Culture and Self-Identity

  • Integration of culture, teachings, and knowledge
  • School-wide language use
  • Integration of cultural practices and language
  • Youth identity and voice
  • Community and tribal outreach and collaboration
  • Oral traditions and guidance

Instruction

  • Decolonizing data-driven instruction
  • Indigenous pedagogy
  • Engagement
  • Relevant Learning
  • Multi-tiered systems of support
  • Professional development for educators
  • Community involvement
  • Attendance efforts
  • Relevant learning
  • Land-and-place-based learning strategies

Holistic Wellness

  • Cultural values
  • Indigenous resilience
  • Indigenized tiered systems of support
  • Relational and restorative practices
  • Self-care
  • Family and community engagement
  • Elder wellness teachings and support

Safety

  • School violence prevention
  • Positive school climate
  • Safe and healthy relationships resources and curriculum
  • Consistent routines
  • Attendance
  • Family involvement
  • Community collaboration efforts

Culturally Holistic School Framework PDF

Shared Strategies to Support American Indian Students

In 2007, the Montana State Legislature passed Montana Code Annotated 20‐9‐330, appropriating per American Indian child funding to school districts for the purpose of closing the educational achievement gap that exists between American Indian students and non‐Indian students -- THIS LINK IS BROKEN. Below is information, guidance and resources for spending that achievement gap funding.

Talking Circles Quick Start Guidance

Framework Resources

Culture and Self-Identity

Safety

Instruction

Holistic Wellness

AISA Research and Data

The American Indian Student Achievement Unit and the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Research Team collaborated to explore local community and education stakeholder perceptions about the achievement gap. The project included exploratory focus groups.

Culture and Schools: American Indian Stakeholder Perspectives on the American Indian Student Achievement Gap -

Research Project documents

Achievement Gap Data Reports

External Research and Data

Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education (MACIE)

The Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education was established by the Board of Public Education and the Office of Public Instruction to function in an advisory capacity for the education of American Indian students in Montana.

The Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education shall be a strong voice for collaborative efforts among tribal, state, and federal organizations, institutions, groups, and agencies for the express purpose of promoting high quality and equitable educational opportunities for all American Indian students in Montana. This includes, but is not limited to, culture, language, and Indian Education for All.

See the MACIE Constitution

Visit the MACIE Webpage for more information

State Resources

Tribal Colleges

  • Our state has the wonderful opportunity to have tribal colleges located on most of our reservation areas. Tribal colleges offer small class sizes and high quality instructors. Each offers programs and degrees in a variety of subjects, majors and degrees. Tribal colleges are open to all students interested in pursing additional education opportunities, while also offering tribal resources and connections to those interested in understanding more about our unique Tribal Nations in Montana.
  • Aaniiih Nakoda College - Ft. Belknap Reservation
  • Blackfeet Community College- Blackfeet Reservation
  • Chief Dull Knife College- Northern Cheyenne Reservation
  • Fort Peck Community College- Ft. Peck Reservation
  • Little Big Horn College- Crow Reservation
  • Salish Kootenai College - Flathead Reservation
  • Stone Child College- Rocky Boy Reservation

National Resources

Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)

The majority of Montana's Native American students are enrolled in public schools located outside of reservation boundaries. Students in public schools, either within or near reservations are also served by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. The Bureau of Indian Education is responsible for the educational guidance for a small percentage of American Indian students throughout the United States. Montana does have two BIE schools: Northern Cheyenne Tribal School -- THIS LINK IS BROKEN located in Busby, MT and Two Eagle River School - THIS LINK IS BROKENin Pablo, MT.

Indian Education for All Home

Tribal Student Achievement and Relations Home

Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education (MACIE)
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