Educational Options values cultural studies and believes multiple perspectives should be examined when learning about events in history. With that in mind, Educational Options partnered with leading educational experts from Northern Michigan University’s Center for Native American Studies to develop two Native American Studies courses: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Perspectives. We also developed two new chapters in our American History course to focus on different historical perspectives in our country and how they’re developed, as well as a chapter dedicated to giving detailed accounts of the people, culture, and events that shaped the American continents.
These new resources were reviewed by many tribal representatives to insure a true survey of perspectives among the various groups in American Indian culture.
By looking through a Native American lens, students can better understand the historical, cultural, and contemporary issues facing this people group today and learn about some of the inaccurate myths, false images, and distortions in existence. The main objective of these courses is to enrich the student’s knowledge and understanding by offering various perspectives on historical events.
The American Indian Inclusion Manual was created as a guide for both Indian and non-Indian educators seeking to include the Native American perspective in subjects across the curriculum. The manual reviews topics such as the history of American Indian Education, effective tools to use when educating American Indian students, and federal Bureau of Indian Affairs American Indian content standards. By understanding the cultural and educational perspectives of American Indian students, educators can be more effective in teaching the student group in all subject areas.
