EdOptions offers solutions for “targeting excellence” among Native American students

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. – Nearly one hundred educators from across the northeastern part of the state gathered in this Navajo Nation community earlier this month to learn more about integrating technology in the classroom.

Educational Options, Inc. was the only company invited to host its own workshop at the 2nd Annual Summer Academic Academy conference, created by Apache County Superintendent of Schools, Pauline Begay.

Creative Director Ty Largo presented to groups throughout the conference, held July 10 through 12 at Window Rock High School.

To address the conference’s theme of “targeting student excellence,” Largo spoke about how Web-based learning can meet the needs of a variety of Native American students across the county. Additionally, Largo highlighted EdOptions’ American Indian Inclusion Manual, a guide developed in partnership with Northern Michigan University’s Center for Native American Studies. The educational manual was created with both Indian and non-Indian educators in mind for those who want to include the Native American perspective in subjects across the curriculum.

Later, KTNN 660 AM radio invited Largo to speak about the importance of web-based learning in educating the students in the Apache County School District. The radio station is considered the “voice of the Navajo Nation,” and broadcasts in the community’s native language.
 
Largo told listeners that EdOptions’ web-based Stars Suite can “help our schools here on the Navajo Nation to reduce dropout rates, and also increase attendance and improve the overall achievement to grow our Dine (meaning “The People”) students into the warriors they need to be to succeed in life.”

“The bottom line is thinking of what else we can do for these students beyond the four walls of the classroom.”

The challenges Native American students face in this community are not new to Largo.

A member of the Navajo Tribe, himself, Largo grew up just two hours north of Window Rock in Shiprock, New Mexico.

“On a personal and cultural level, I can truly identify with a lot of the issues that are facing our Dine youth today,” Largo said.

Many students have a difficult time relating to their elders due to a growing cultural gap. Twenty-first century technological advances such as the Internet have led to dramatic increases in the influence of mainstream culture on Navajo youth in the community. Because of this widening chasm, many students choose to cut off communication altogether with adults.

But educators can utilize EdOptions’ products such as Novel™, a library of more than 38 web-based courses that can be accessed on the Internet anywhere, anytime, to reestablish the student-teacher connection. Already several public schools located in Native American communities are finding success by using EdOptions’ Stars Suite to tackle their biggest challenges in education.

“Web-based learning just provides a myriad of possibilities for educating students in new ways,” Largo said. “The bottom line is thinking of what else we can do for these students beyond the four walls of the classroom.”

Educational Options, Inc. is the proud recipient of the 2006 U.S Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award. The company’s premier product, the Stars Suite, features more than 38 middle and high school courses, and solutions for state test preparation, high school preparation, and GED study. Educational Options is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, and is the parent company of Blue Ridge International Academy, an accredited online school able to grant course credits and full high school diplomas.

Courtesy of KTNN Radio