Expanding the Circle: Respecting the Past, Preparing for the Future Curriculum Training

2018

Expanding the Circle: Respecting the Past, Preparing for the Future A Transition Curriculum for American Indian Youth Individuals who prepare for the transition from high school to post-secondary experiences based on a clear understanding of their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional selves are much more likely to weather this transition smoothly. Add to those skills an ability to set goals, organize, communicate, self-advocate, problem-solve, and work in teams, and young adults are able to face the challenges of the future. This curriculum is designed to offer a structured process and a set of culturally relevant activities to facilitate successful transition for American Indian high school students. Although the curriculum is designed for American Indian youth, particularly those age 14 and older, the activities may also be beneficial for middle school students and/or those in their freshman year of college. The principles of the curriculum include: * The belief in the resilience in American Indian youth and their communities. * The conviction that all students should be able to critically explore all post-secondary options in order to make informed choices. * The recognition of the value of education and post-high school planning from an American Indian community perspective. * The commitment to the idea that American Indian educators and others (such as community members, elders, tribal leaders, and other positive role models) who are committed to and involved in the American Indian community are best qualified to teach it. The curriculum includes activities: * Based on work with hundreds of American Indian high school youth, paraprofessionals, teachers, and administrators. * Aligned with state graduation standards. * Developed to include family and community members in the transition process. * Created with students' varying/unique strengths and abilities in mind. The Onaakonan System During the transition process, it is essential for students to organize the important information and documents that they will reference throughout their lives. Portfolios provide a way for students to collect and organize samples of their work to show prospective employers or college admissions counselors what they have done and what they can do. The Onaakonan System (Oh NAH kah NON) derived from Ojibwe word meaning "he/she plan it") is a personal portfolio system designed to help transition-age American Indian students plan for their future after high school in an organized and structured way. The Expanding the Circle curriculum includes activites that lend themselves to the use of the Onaakonan System. An Onaakonan System is included with each curriculum book; additional Onaakonan System may be purchased as needed. The Onaakonan System has the following categories: * Accomplishments * Vocational/Work * Education * Medical * Support Circle * References * Recreation & Leisure * Residence * Transportation * Legal * Monthly Expenses * Financial Records

Native American, Youth, Transition

Developing & Disseminating Information

Other - Cultural Diversity

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities

Another State, Single-County, State, Regional, National

N/A