Curriculum and Instruction

Teaching Native Students

The following list is a compilation from Native educators and researchers.  Although generalized, Educators should be aware that:

• There is great diversity among Native nations, tribes, bands.

• Many students today who identify as Native may not “look Indian” and educators should reinforce their positive self-identity.

• Native students may have little or no Native cultural connection or knowledge of their tribe, culture or traditions.

• Staff are available to review curriculum materials for accuracy and sensitivity

Wisconsin Act 31

Wisconsin Act 31 or American Indian Studies refers to the requirement that all public school districts provide instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of Wisconsin’s eleven federally-recognized American Indian nations and tribal communities. Thus, the references mentioning Wisconsin Act 31 or American Indian Studies in the context of education are likely referring to the state statutes listed below.

Statutes and Rules

 §115.28(17)(d), Wis Stats.

General duties. The state superintendent shall:

(17) AMERICAN INDIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE EDUCATION.

(d) Develop a curriculum for grades 4 to 12 on the Chippewa Indians' treaty-based, off-reservation rights to hunt, fish and gather.

§118.01(2)(c)(7.and 8.), Wis Stats.

Educational goals and expectations.

(2) EDUCATIONAL GOALS. . .each school board shall provide an instructional program designed to give pupils:

7. An appreciation and understanding of different value systems and cultures.

8. At all grade levels, an understanding of human relations, particularly with regard to American Indians, Black Americans and Hispanics.

§118.19(8), Wis Stats.

Teacher certificates and licenses. 

(8) The state superintendent may not grant to any person a license to teach unless the person has received instruction in the study of minority group relations, including instruction in the history, culture and tribal sovereignty of the federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands located in this state.

§121.02, Wis Stats.

School district standards.

(1) Except as provided in §118.40 (2r)(d), each school board shall:

(h) Provide adequate instructional materials, texts and library services which reflect the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society.

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(L) 4. Beginning September 1, 1991, as part of the social studies curriculum, include instruction in the history, culture and tribal sovereignty of the federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands located in this state at least twice in the elementary grades and at least once in the high school grades.