PROPOSAL & OUTLINE

My research question is: How does education for Native American students on the Tuscarora Reservation compare with their traditional life? What methods are being applied and are they successful?

No, Im not Indian. Yes, I am white (at least on the outside). Immediately I can feel suspicion, questioning, and cautioning. But let me say, I have chosen this topic for me, not for a good grade or any other award. When I was told I could be anyone and do anything in the whole world, I always knew I wanted to learn and teach and expand my experience. I wanted to run to the poorest reservation and teach the kids, help the adults, and make them stronger. Some people applauded me. Others cautioned me, “Youre white” “That job doesnt make a lot of money” “The kids are going to hate you”. I know this, but it doesnt distract me from what I really want to do. As a teacher, I know I will never stop learning, and I feel as though there is no way I could teach any time soon-I still have too much to learn! I admire these people and respect them. I feel this research will benefit myself. I will learn about their way of life and their education, so that when I get to teach on an Indian reservations I will be somewhat prepared, and not a naive white girl. I hope this paper will show me the challenges I will face and in turn help me learn how I can overcome them to reach my goal, and for my future students to reach theirs. 

The resources I will be using are surveys and interviews with teachers and indian students, their teachers and community members. I will be soley looking at the Tuscarora Reservation. I am a member of the IUP Native American Awareness Association and I have contacted them and asked them to help me with the contacts. 

I. Education of Native American Students

    A. Education in public schools (data and evidence)

    B. Education on reservations (data and evidence)

II. Why traditional education fails

      A. Culture clash

            1. examples

      B. Methods applied to classroom

            1. examples

      C. What methods are successful

            1. example

III. Tuscarora Reservation Edcuation

        A. What methods are being applied and are they successful

        B. Student perspective

        C. Teacher perspective

        D. Former Student perspective

        E. Community perspective