How Native History Came To Wisconsin Classrooms

In the tapestry of American education, Native American history has long been relegated to the margins, often presented as a footnote or a brief aside in textbooks.

However, in recent years, a growing movement has emerged to bring the rich and complex stories of indigenous peoples to the forefront of our classrooms. This movement has found a particularly strong foothold in Wisconsin, where a groundbreaking initiative has transformed the teaching of Native history in the state's public schools.

The Story of Act 31: How Native History Came to Wisconsin Classrooms

by Graham Brack

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1208 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Item Weight	:	3.52 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.88 x 0.33 x 6.85 inches

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The initiative, known as the Wisconsin American Indian Studies Curriculum Framework, was developed in partnership with Native American educators and scholars over a period of several years. It provides a comprehensive guide for teachers on how to incorporate Native perspectives and content into their lessons.

The framework covers a wide range of topics, from the pre-colonial history of Wisconsin to the present-day experiences of Native American communities. It also includes resources for teachers on how to create culturally-responsive lesson plans and how to engage students in meaningful conversations about race and identity.

The impact of the Wisconsin American Indian Studies Curriculum Framework has been profound. In the years since its implementation, the teaching of Native history in Wisconsin schools has become more accurate, more comprehensive, and more engaging.

Students are now learning about the contributions of Native Americans to Wisconsin's history and culture. They are also developing a better understanding of the challenges that Native American communities have faced, both in the past and the present.

The teaching of Native history in Wisconsin classrooms is not just about providing students with information. It is about fostering understanding, empathy, and respect for diverse cultures.

By bringing Native voices and perspectives into our classrooms, we are creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students.

The Importance of Native History Education

There are many reasons why Native history education is important. Here are just a few:

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• Native history is American history. The story of the United States cannot be fully understood without understanding the role that Native Americans have played in its development.

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• Native American perspectives are valuable. Native Americans have a unique worldview that can help us to understand the world around us in new ways.

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• Native history education can help to promote reconciliation. By learning about the past, we can better understand the present and work towards a more just and equitable future.

How to Incorporate Native History into Your Classroom

If you are a teacher, there are many ways that you can incorporate Native history into your classroom. Here are a few tips:

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• Start by learning about the Native American history of your local area. This will help you to connect with your students and make the lessons more relevant to their lives.

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• Use primary sources whenever possible. Primary sources, such as oral histories, treaties, and letters, can help students to gain a deeper understanding of Native American perspectives.

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• Invite Native American guest speakers to your classroom. Guest speakers can share their personal experiences and help students to connect with the material on a more personal level.

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• Create culturally-responsive lesson plans. Culturally-responsive lesson plans take into account the cultural backgrounds of your students and create learning experiences that are meaningful to them.

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• Engage students in meaningful conversations about race and identity. It is important to create a safe and respectful environment in which students can share their thoughts and feelings about race and identity.

Resources for Teachers

There are many resources available to teachers who want to incorporate Native history into their classrooms. Here are a few:

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• The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a website dedicated to Native American education resources, including the Wisconsin American Indian Studies Curriculum Framework.

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• The Oyate is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for Native American education.

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• The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian provides a variety of resources for teachers, including lesson plans, videos, and online exhibits.

The teaching of Native history in Wisconsin schools is a powerful example of how education can be used to promote understanding, empathy, and respect for diverse cultures. By bringing Native voices and perspectives into our classrooms, we are creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students.

The Story of Act 31: How Native History Came to Wisconsin Classrooms

by Graham Brack

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1208 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Item Weight	:	3.52 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.88 x 0.33 x 6.85 inches

FREE