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American Indian Women in Higher Education: Is Tinto's Model Applicable?: Author: Taylor, Franci Lynne'; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Native American Studies; Abstract: Higher education degree completion for American Indians has remained virtually unchanged for the past three decades. American Indians, both female and male, continue to have the lowest percentage of terminal degrees completion of any ethnic population in the United States. Numerous studies have been completed to examine the barriers that prohibit American Indian success at the postsecondary level. However, there remains a lack of critical information concerning the personal experiences of those American Indian females who have persevered and have completed first, an undergraduate degree and th...; Download File | View full details

Composition and Aleche: Native American Education, Scholarship and the Pedagogy of John Dewey: Author: Jenkins, Nathan Joseph; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: English; Abstract: This thesis approaches the historical and contemporary education of Native Americans in order to analyze and combat the American academic system's failure to educate Native students. The chapters cover 1) boarding schools aims and student resistance, 2) problems still faced by Native American students, and 3) possible solutions to these problems. Chapters 1 and 2 give an overview of history and research done by educators and scholars. Chapter 3 is a combination of suggestions by educators of Native students and John Dewey. The first sections demonstrate problems and voids in academia, and the ...; Download File | View full details

The Native Education Equity Project: Educating for the Future: Author: Mulvaugh, Lucas Wyman; Date: 2004-08-15; Program: Native American Studies; Abstract: From the boarding school era to the current high drop-out rates, western-based education systems have a 50% failure rate in its service to the American Indian students of Montana. This thesis takes a critical look at the historical ramifications of Western based education on the Native Peoples of Montana, and the contemporary response from the state to improve Indian Education. The purpose of this thesis is to research current pedagogies being used within public schools with high Indian student populations, to provide recommendations to improve those pedagogies, and to create professional deve...; Download File | View full details

Your Worst Nightmare--An Indian with a Book: Literary Empowerment for Native American Students in the Educational System: Author: McFadden, Erica Lynn; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Native American Studies; Abstract: Native American rates of graduation are extremely low in comparison to the rest of the United States public and the classes which are considered "assimilative" classes have among the worst success rates for Native American students. Among these assimilative classes is the field of literature. This thesis explores how literature is assimilative and progresses through how it can be empowering for students. The thesis discusses the importance of incorporating Native American worldviews into the literary classroom and provides specific suggestions for teaching literature to Native Americ...; Download File | View full details

An Analysis of Tribal College Student's Backgrounds, Motivations, and Attitudes: The Relationship to Classroom Retention: Author: Thornton, Samuel David; Date: 2006-08-15; Program: Education; Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between students' backgrounds, motivations, and attitudes and their academic successes or failures while enrolled in a single core level general education class at the Blackfeet Community College. The study examined indicators as identified in the literature and as identified through a pilot survey given to students at the Blackfeet Community College. A literature review yielded little research on student classroom retention in tribal colleges. The population for this study was n=113 students enrolled in core level academic co...; Download File | View full details

Developing a Professional Learning Community among Mathematics Teachers on Two Montana Indian Reservations: Author: Nelson, Karma Grace; Date: 2006-12-15; Program: Education; Abstract: This study documents the development of a professional learning community [Math Inquiry Group] of mathematics teachers from schools on or near the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations in Southeast Montana (referred to in this study as the bounded system) using an approach referred to as ALRR (Ask, Listen, Respond and Reflect). It adds to the current body of literature identifying professional learning communities as a recommended method to improve classroom practice and close achievement gaps in mathematics. Although much has been written about professional learning communities within a giv...; Download File | View full details

A Study of Demographics and Job-Related Categories that Influence the Quality of Teacher Work Life in Montana Schools with Indigenous Populations: Author: Terhune, Michael Neil; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Education; Abstract: This study examined the demographics and job related factors that influenced the quality of teacher work life of 404 teachers in Montana schools that have a predominant enrollment of indigenous students. The Quality of Teacher Work Life Survey (QTWLS) was used to determine the teacher demographics, the factor structure of the QTWLS, and the perceived levels of Job-Related Stress, and Satisfaction. Thirteen demographics contributed to the profile. Comparisons to the state wide profile were explored. Teacher perceptions of their job related satisfaction and stress factors were computed for Liker...; Download File | View full details