An Aleut community leader from the Pribilof Islands (Alaska) reflects on what he learned from the economic crisis that threatened the viability of his community during the 1980s. He suggests that the spiritual healing of the individual is central to the healing of the whole community, elimination of conflict, and fulfillment of any vision for the…

Analyzes the differences between Northwest Alaska Inupiat and Western world views, discusses the history of Western culture's influence on Inupiat culture, and explains the effects of the Native school board's taking control of the educational system. Discusses the struggle to preserve the native language and to adapt a foreign educational system…

In some Alaska Native communities, dominant society schools are powerful symbols of relationships such as political control, social domination, and cultural hegemony. Awareness of these symbolic associations can help school staff understand the implications of their roles and the resentment of village residents. (SV)

Provides an overview of indigenous-education programs in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Discussion focuses on the historical context that has seen consistent attempts to eradicate the languages and life ways of Native Americans. Case studies are presented that illustrate the role of indigenous-language-education programs in…

As the originator and administrator of the Village Library Project in Alaska, Kuskokwim Community College commissioned this study to: (1) determine the status quo of the 16 village libraries in the delta area; (2) identify the factors which help determine their success; (3) determine whether they can successfully operate independently without…

In this interview, Alaska's statewide trainer in project-based learning recommends that teachers plan projects by identifying the desired results, determining acceptable evidence, then planning the learning experience. Project-based learning encourages teacher collaboration and engages students so that learning becomes relevant. Teachers should…

The author argues that the curriculum in early childhood classrooms that serve American Indian and Alaska Native children must be grounded in community values, set in their societal context, and rooted in the rhythms of community life. The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Head Start developed a curriculum framework…

As part of a study of the role, governance, and future direction of the community colleges of the University of Alaska, public hearings and teleconferences were held at 13 locations in Alaska between October 1980 and January 1981. Over 200 people participated in these discussions, and testimony was taken from educators, administrators, students,…

Award-winning teachers from rural Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho discuss their innovative programs and the advantages of small-town life and small schools. Teachers, students, and community members know each other and participate in school activities, teachers have more flexibility and control over what they teach, bureaucracy is minimized, and…

Early childhood educators are advised to confront difficulties arising from Alaska's economic problems by establishing coalitions between families with young children and service providers, with the intention of creating new programs and maintaining existing family support and education programs. Evidence of the desirability of a wide range of…

Reviews the historical development of Alaska's community college system. Discusses pros and cons of central or unified v local or autonomous control. Concludes that the growth of community colleges as power forces overshadows the unified or autonomous school issue. (CAM)

Describes Alaska village culture and gives five examples of ways that ignorance about the culture can interfere with a teacher's effectiveness in the community. Suggests a coping strategy of "skillful inaction" by which the newcomer can prepare for accomplishment by settling into the village and learning by listening and watching. (JHZ)

The 1995 National Teacher of the Year, Elaine Griffin, teaches on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Her experiences reinforce her belief in the importance of strong school-community ties and close relationships between teachers and families. Shared staffing in this remote rural environment has allowed the teachers time away for travel and other experiences.…

School-based early childhood centers are high-quality programs using approaches to instruction based on recognized principles of child development and learning for children 3 to 8 years old. The centers are characterized by the active involvement of parents and the community and by a commitment to smooth transitions from home to school and through…

In this collection, 32 Alaskan principals, retired principals, assistant principals, and principals-to-be share their experiences as administrators and reflect on their feelings about the nature of the work and about schooling issues in Alaska. Nine of the writings were selected from "Totem Tales," the newsletter of Alaska's Association…