Ted Williams - US grants

Northwest Indian College, in collaboration with three other post secondary institutions, three Tribes, three ATE Centers, three professional societies and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, is pursuing a three-year Adaptation and Implementation project to adapt and expand its highly successful NSF funded Tribal Environmental and Natural Resources Management pilot project for a two year AAS degree program. This new project provides a launching pad for Native American students to pursue a four year degree in enviromnental sciences at one of the several participating four- year institutions, or to access environmental technician and management positions at the 40 Tribes within the region. The pilot project was one of a very few in the country to teach Environmental Technology from a Native perspective, and the only one to focus on Marine science. It developed and pilot tested cohort-based integrated curriculum, infused with Native examples and Native American traditional perspectives, deeply infusing into the curriculum Native environmental issues that are vitally important to Tribes. Addressing the Tribes' expressed needs, and with the continuous input of Tribal communities and representatives on the Advisory Committee are the foundation of this project. The TENRM pilot project produced student retention rates over two years of over 71 % -- the highest of any program ever developed by Northwest Indian College. This new project expands the successful pilot effort to meet Tribal needs for Natural Resources Managers and technicians who are well-grounded in the natural sciences of their field, comfortable with emerging technologies, and cognizant and respectful of the Native worldview.

The mission of Northwest Indian College (NWIC) is to provide post-secondary
educational opportunities for Native Americans that is sensitive to their worldviews,
background, and academic needs and goals, and prepare them for the challenges of
leadership in their tribal communities. In addition to providing effective opportunities
for students to develop academic competence, the NWIC mission is to infuse students
with clear communication skills, critical thinking skills, and a developed sense of
civic responsibility.

The Northwest Indian College Division of Math and Science is proposing implementation
of a SMET learning community educational plan that begins with entering freshman and
supports them through to the completion of an AA or AS degree.

The first-year goal of this program would be to generate student interest and growth
toward further education in math and science. Building on this foundation, the overall
goal would be to have these students then obtain associates and baccalaureate degrees
in science or math-related fields. The first year would be a "developmental year" for
students whose test scores indicate that this is necessary. (Note: The majority of
students entering NWIC would have test scores reflecting this need. It is often
the lack of a growth or preparation period that contributes to student failure
in math and science.)

During the first year, the plan would be as follows:
* Each eligible student would enter into an integrated academic group or cohort.
* A testing specialist would evaluate math and science competencies for each student.
* All students would be enrolled in the following courses: Public Speaking, Introduction to
Computers, Native American History/Philosophy, and Introduction to Successful Learning
during fall quarter and throughout their first (or developmental) year. These courses,
which are required for graduation from Northwest Indian College, would be fully
integrated among each other while also being integrated with introductory science and
math courses in which students are placed according to their initial test scores.
Example: The cohort would be assigned a relevant science topic such as iswater quality.lo
Individually and as a group, students would research the topic, using math to compute
statistics, the Internet to find background material and group discussions to enhance
individual research. Students would give oral and written presentations using the
principles discussed in the cohort instruction. (Note: A somewhat different form of this
schedule and approach has been used successfully with our NSF funded Tribal
Environmental and Natural Resource Management program (TENRM). The result has
been much higher than average retention and completion for students lacking needed
skills.)

By combining required courses where NWIC students typically do well (i.e. Speech), with
developmental science and math courses, students will be more likely to successfully
complete essential coursework for graduation.

Northwest Indian College students have demonstrated they must be immersed in their
culture, history, and philosophy if they are to effectively understand and build upon
their role inthe Native communities. The college knows they must also develop the
science and math skills necessary to help their culture survive and intends to meet
these needs by offering introductory science and math courses fully integrated with
curriculum related to Native culture, history, and philosophy. As they build increased
self-esteem while finding success in the classroom, students will recognize their
capacity to do science and math. They will then feel comfortable pursuing further
science and math-related courses as they eventually enter baccalaureate programs and
the SMET workforce.

The Northwest Indian College (NWIC) REU Site will provide research experiences in the biological sciences to 8 tribal students each year, in partnership with Western Washington University, the University of Washington, the University of British Columbia Fisheries Centre and Pacific Northwest Tribal Natural Resources Departments. Student will conduct their research at NWIC or at a partnering institution, under the guidance of faculty mentors. The objectives of the program are 1) to engage students in biological research projects relevant to tribal needs, 2) to develop the skills of undergraduates in order to enhance their scientific knowledge and competency, and 3) to enhance students' self-esteem and self-identities, while conducting biological research integrated with their culture and history. The goal is to expose students to interesting and relevant scientific projects to facilitate their completion of, and further advancement in, their academic career, through attainment of BS, MS or PhD degree. Students will receive training on their chosen project and in the preparation of oral presentations and written reports. Students will present their findings at an annual REU workshop and at other venues including regional and national scientific meetings. The REU program is expected to increase the number of Native American STEM graduates, especially those with background knowledge and skills in the management of natural resources at the reservation. More information is available at http://www.nwic.edu/NewEventsTemp/REUpressabstract.htm, or contacting Roberto Gonzalez-Plaza at 866-676-2772 ext 4307 or rgonzalez@nwic.edu.