Implementation Considerations

There are a number of matters to be considered in the implementation of this curriculum.

Role of Administrators

Administrators play an important role in implementing and supporting this curriculum. Their role includes the following:

• To support the development of library and classroom collections of resources to support Indian language courses.
• To support and encourage the utilization of community-based resources.
• To support teachers who wish to collaborate in planning units, developing materials, and expanding their repertoire of instructional and evaluation methods.
• To ensure that language instruction occurs within the spirit of this curriculum even when teachers are using supplementary materials.
• To inform parents/boards/community that the course encourages teachers to use a variety of instructional and evaluation approaches and procedures.
• To encourage whole school and community involvement in recognizing, valuing and supporting cultural activities associated with the language being taught.
• To ensure that all teachers on staff have an appreciation for and an awareness of Indian and Métis perspectives and issues.
• To provide inservice support for teachers as needed.

Locally-determined Options

To meet community and student needs at the local level, provision is made within Core Curriculum for locally-determined options. Teaching Indian and Métis languages falls within this component of Core.

The time allotted for Indian language instruction at the elementary and middle levels

(K - Gr. 9) is determined locally. At these levels, time may be gained by reducing the time spent in one or more of the Required Areas of Study up to a maximum of 20%.

At the secondary level (Gr. 10 - 12), time for such options is available through the use of credits in the elective categories.

Key Classroom Materials

• Indian Languages: A Curriculum Guide for Kindergarten to Grade 12
• Indian and Métis Resource List for K-12

The two documents above were produced by Saskatchewan Education, Training and Employment in 1994 and should be used by every teacher of Indian languages. Copies may be ordered from:

Book Bureau
1500 - 4th Avenue
Regina SK S4R 8G8
Phone: 787-5987

The curriculum strongly endorses resource-based learning. Teachers should be encouraged to utilize a variety of print and non print resources, especially human resources (e.g., Elders) from the community.

Some school divisions are supporting their teachers in the development of activity packages and resource materials printed in the various Indian languages. Because these kinds of resources are seldom produced commercially and are not plentiful, it would be to everyone's advantage to share these and assist with the development of additional resources.

Although a comprehensive bibliography of these and other relevant materials is not currently available, the Indian and Métis Education Unit will continue to act as a clearing house for materials as they become available. Information regarding these materials will be available through print or electronic media.

Maintenance

Saskatchewan Education, Training and Employment shares responsibility with local school divisions in maintaining Indian languages programs.

The Indian and Métis Education Branch has the responsibility to:

• maintain curriculum documents.
• provide inservice for teachers and administrators during the initial years of curriculum implementation.

Local school divisions have the responsibility to:

• ensure that the curriculum is implemented.
• ensure that supplementary materials are consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the curriculum.
• facilitate implementation and maintenance with needed resources and inservice.

Program Evaluation

The Indian Languages courses will be evaluated as part of the curriculum development cycle.