Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the rationale for having an Indian Education Program?
Indian Education Programs – Title VII – exist not because of race or ethnicity. They are based on the trust relationship of Tribal nations with the U. S. federal government. According to the National Indian Education Association, it summarizes the development of this relationship: “In exchange for Indian land and trade concessions, the U.S. assumed a protective role that developed into a ‘trust relationship.’ Trust is generally defined as ‘the unique legal and moral duty of the United States to assist Indians in the protection of their property and rights.’ Trust has as its primary purpose the continued survival of Indian tribes and their governments. The trust relationship existing between the federal government and Indian tribes governs that special, unique relationship between the United States government and Indian nations.” For the complete summary, see http://www.niea.org/history/educationhistory.php.
Based on this trust relationship, Indian Education Program – Title VII – is included in No Child Left Behind. As described by the Office of Indian Education, “The No Child Left Behind Act amends the Indian education programs as Title VII, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This landmark in education reform embodies four key principles: stronger accountability for results; greater flexibility in the use of federal funds; more choices for parents of children from disadvantaged backgrounds; and an emphasis on research-based instruction that works.” See http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/oie/index.html.
- What is the Program’s mission?
The mission of the Indian Education Program is to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American AI/AN K-12 students so that they can achieve to the same challenging state standards as all students. See http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/oie/index.html.
- What is the Program’s purpose?
The purpose of the Program is to increase the number of AI/AN students successfully completing high school and pursuing higher education.
- This year the focus is on (1) attendance, (2) academic performance,specifically Writing and Reading (3) Computer literacy, 4) and Native American projects. This will be achieved through tutoring in small groups, weekly computer classes and classroom activities.
- Our Grant is targets First through Fifth grades.
- Who is eligible for the Program?
According to eligibility standards set by the U. S. Congress, the student must be:
- Enrolled in a publicly-funded school in Sheridan or Willamina school district and
- Either the student or a biological parent or grandparent must be or must have been enrolled or recognized by an Indian tribe, group or band as defined by the Secretary of the Interior. See the 506 form for a complete definition of who is eligible.
Form 506 - Title VII Student Eligibilty Certification (pdf)
- How do I enroll a student in the Program?
A. Obtain 506 form by clicking on link above or requesting one from Program office by telephone 503-876-2374 or email wendi.spencer@willamina.k12.or.us
B. Complete form, i.e. all spaces must be filled out. For assistance, call Wendi at number given above.
C. Submit completed form either to your school or directly to Wendi Spencer Indian Education Program 1100 Oaken Hills Drive , Willamina, Oregon 97396
D. Call to confirm that it has been received by Wendi.
- What is the 506 form and where is it available?
The 506 form is an official, federal document of the Office of Indian Education, U. S. Department of Education. It is used to enroll students in the Indian Education Program.
The form is available at this website. It is also available from the office of the Indian Education Program.
- What benefits are there for parents/ guardians and what opportunities are there to participate?
Benefits include the following:
- Increased involvement in children's education
- Opportunity for personal growth
- Increased knowledge of parenting skills
- Participation in parent/guardian group
- Direct involvement in planning Program goals and activities
- Increased knowledge of district policies & procedures
- Networking with local organizations serving AI/AN students and their families
One way to get involved is by participating in the Native American Parent Board meetings. The two primary functions of the Parent Board are (1) to provide input for the annual grant proposals to the Office of Indian Education and (2) to approve the proposal.
Wendi Spencer, Coordinator
Indian Education Program - Title VII503-876-2374 ext 2733