Welcome to Native Academy

National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Conference Presentation, October 6, 2005

The Native Academy presented a workshop at the National Indian Education Association annual conference in Denver, Colorado on October 6, 2005. The workshop focusesd on The Seven Native Academy Educational Values and the partnership components in its Delta Group project that works with five high schools in Minneapolis.

1. Students are the decision-makers about whether to learn and when to learn.
2. Learning to plan and take control is as important as cognition.
3. Students as both learners and teachers are required for an effective learning process.
4. Student learning is continuous and unbroken and needs help only to master specific subject matter and skills.
5. Parents are invaluable partners in their children's education.
6. Teachers are partners who can be effective beyond the classroom.
7. Adult coaches and helpers are as essential to students as teachers.

The workshop was presented by Elaine J. Salinas, President of MIGIZI Communications; and Graham Hartley, MIGIZI's Education Director. Click the following link to view the powerpoint presentation from the workshop. Workshop.ppt

Proven Programming.

Native Academy strategies have been proven successful. The Minneapolis Public Schools Research and Evaluation Department's 2002 study showed impressive results in several areas, including attendance, which was elevated to 90% - 100% for the majority of Native Academy students. Some academic options include after school programs, enrichment sessions during the school day, summer programs and weekend projects whatever best fits the particular needs of the individual or student group. Many programs can be conducted either at school or on site at the MIGIZI facility, giving students the opportunity to earn academic credits in and out of school.

Examples of programs.

Middle School Partnerships:

Native Academy works with middle schools with the largest population of American Indian students in the school district. In cooperation with teachers and families, the Academy staff interacts with students during the school day providing curriculum enrichment, technology training and culturally appropriate content. The middle school program serves to build consistent relationships with students, and those relationships continue through their transition to South High.

South High School Partnership:

South enrolls the highest number of American Indian students in the district. Native Academy staff works with these students and teachers on an ongoing basis, lowering the dropout rate by helping students earn the credits necessary for graduation. After-graduation planning is also stressed. Technology Internship Program Native Academy provides hands-on training and mentoring for a team of paid interns learning various computer and multimedia skills. The Tech Interns work at the MIGIZI facility during off-school hours and summers. The goal of this program is to grow a responsible and capable workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the Twin Cities area.

Tutoring:

Native Academy uses proven practices to work one-on-one with students on homework and other assignments, creating a flexible plan for success, helping maintain motivation and guiding them in the follow-through of their plan. Modeling Socialization Skills Native Academy staff serve as role models, encouraging students to involve themselves in safe, healthy activities after school, while building friendships with other students who are similarly involved.

Power Tools for Teachers

Native Academy promotes teachers' professional development by enhancing their toolbox of educational skills. Educators are introduced to new modes of delivering technology-related experiences within a range of curricula. These strategies are designed to excite the students, encouraging them to go deeper into the subject. Sessions can include computer classes, digital photography instruction and more. Through shared methods and interactive presentations, teachers can earn CE credits while gaining new insights into working effectively with students from Native American and other cultural communities.

Contract Classes in Schools.

Depending on the specific needs of the middle school or high school, and in cooperation with classroom teachers, Native Academy designs and delivers technology-focused classes in subjects such as website building, general computer skills, networking, photography, multimedia presentations and sound editing. Other areas addressed can include environmental earth and life sciences, multiculturalism and lifelong physical education.

Nothing Less than Success.

If you are a student, parent, teacher or administrator, contact Native Academy for more information about programs and possibilities. Find out how the Academy can help shape productive and successful citizens.

For More Information Call 612-721-6631, extension 200
contact@migizi.org

Successful Results for Students.

Native Academy classes and training can be credit bearing through partnerships with schools. All offerings are designed to build constructive relationships between students, families, teachers, administrators and school districts for the ultimate success of each individual student.