Why is this mandated by the state of Oregon?
It is impossible to understand Oregon or US History, geography or government without having some essential understanding of the rich culture and contributions of its native people. For decades that contribution has been minimized, mischaracterized, or completely left out.
This is an agreement between the State of Oregon, its government and the government of each of the nine federally recognized tribal nations in Oregon.
Link: Overview of the Nine Tribes
What topics will be covered?
These are the 9-Essential Understandings.
The Essential Understandings are the conceptual frameworks and foundation for the statewide curriculum.
Link: 9-Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon
What are the curriculum requirements?
SB 13 requires school districts to fully implement the curriculum by 2020-2021 school year.
The districts will select a minimum of 15 lessons - 5 per grade level in grades 4, 8, and 10 to teach each year. These grades were selected because the state of Oregon thought it matched the best with the Social Science curriculum at those levels.
These 5- required lessons can be done in any subject area, lesson plans are currently ready in the following disciplines.
English Language Arts
PE/Health
Social Studies
Math
Science
Important links to SB13 curriculum
Teachers do have "freedom" to teach the lessons at other grade levels if it fits into the curriculum. Please look closely at the lessons, incorporate the lessons where ever you can, at any grade level. Once you have taught a Tribal History lesson, please email your building administrator. Be sure to include the grade level and the name of the lesson.