And Selected Resources on Indigenous Children's Literacy
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rd PRE-K THROUGH 3 GRADE LITERACY PROGRAMS IN ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY REVIEW and Selected Resources on Indigenous Children’s Literacy Development Prepared by: Aurora Consulting Services for Alaska Native Policy Center First Alaskans Institute July 2005 rd PRE-K THROUGH 3 GRADE LITERACY PROGRAMS IN ALASKA: A PRELIMINARY REVIEW and Selected Resources on Indigenous Children’s Literacy Development Prepared for: Alaska Native Policy Center First Alaskans Institute Anchorage, Alaska Prepared by: Aurora Consulting with funding from the Alaska Humanities Forum Edited by: George Irvin, Special Projects and Communications Director Sarah Sherry, Program Officer First Alaskans Institute is a statewide, non-profit First Alaskans is focused on the future of the foundation. Its mission is to help develop the Native community and all of Alaska; and it capacities of Alaska Native people and their places emphasis on developing the next communities to meet educational, economic generation of Native leaders from among and social challenges, while fostering positive today’s youth and young adults. Leadership relationships among all segments of our society. programs include internships with employers, First Alaskans is a catalyst, convener and scholarships for undergraduates, fellowships for supporter of work done throughout the Native graduate students, culture camp experiences, community. It focuses on two primary initiatives: and an electronic Leadership Network linking up-and-coming leaders with First Alaskans and • Operation of the Alaska Native Policy with each other, and research and policy Center which produces research and analysis experiences. First Alaskans also runs the analysis of information on the issues Elders and Youth Conference in partnership facing the Native community; and with the Alaska Federation of Natives. • Development of the next generation of Native Leadership through an internship program and other leadership development support. TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I: Pre-K Through Third Grade Literacy Programs in Alaska 1.0 Introduction ...............................................................................................................6 2.0 Project Overview.........................................................................................................7 Project Methodology.......................................................................................................7 Project Team...................................................................................................................8 3.0 Summary of Statewide Findings by Type of Entity ........................................................9 Summary of School and School District Findings..............................................................9 Summary of Library Findings .........................................................................................10 Summary of Childcare Provider Findings........................................................................10 Summary of Community-based Organizations Findings .................................................11 4.0 Issues for Future Consideration ................................................................................13 Project Team Recommendations ...................................................................................13 5.0 Statewide Findings: Pre-K through 3rd Grade Literacy Programs..................................15 Sampling Methods........................................................................................................15 Number of Children Served...........................................................................................16 Types of Literacy Programs and Activities ......................................................................20 Reasons for Operating Literacy Programs ......................................................................23 Sources of Funding for Literacy Programs......................................................................27 Sustainability of Funding...............................................................................................29 Longevity of Programs ..................................................................................................30 Parental Involvement.....................................................................................................33 Program Partners ..........................................................................................................34 Use of Evaluation Methods ...........................................................................................37 Culturally Relevant Curriculum......................................................................................41 Needs or Gaps in Programs...........................................................................................44 Part II: Selected Resources on Indigenous Children's Literacy Development in the United States, Canada and New Zealand 1.0 Executive Summary..................................................................................................47 2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................48 3.0 Project Overview......................................................................................................49 Purpose ........................................................................................................................49 Methodology................................................................................................................49 4.0 Indigenous Children’s Literacy Development in the United States ...............................51 Early History of Literacy .................................................................................................51 Research Literature .......................................................................................................51 Present History of Literacy.............................................................................................55 Research Literature .......................................................................................................55 Language Immersion Programs .....................................................................................58 Research Literature .......................................................................................................59 Community and Parent Involvement .............................................................................62 Research Literature .......................................................................................................62 Preschool/Childcare Theories and Models......................................................................66 Research Literature .......................................................................................................66 Educational Theories and Models ..................................................................................68 Research Literature .......................................................................................................69 Role of Libraries ............................................................................................................80 Research Literature .......................................................................................................80 www.firstalaskans.org Page 4 5.0 Indigenous Children’s Literacy Development in Hawaii...............................................82 Early History of Literacy .................................................................................................82 Research Literature .......................................................................................................82 Present History of Literacy.............................................................................................82 Research Literature .......................................................................................................82 Language Immersion Programs .....................................................................................83 Research Literature .......................................................................................................83 Community and Parent Involvement .............................................................................85 Research Literature .......................................................................................................86 Preschool/Childcare Theories and Models......................................................................87 Research Literature .......................................................................................................87 Educational Theories and Models ..................................................................................89 Research Literature .......................................................................................................89 Role of Libraries ............................................................................................................94 Research Literature .......................................................................................................94 6.0 Indigenous Children’s Literacy Development in Canada........................................95 Early History of Literacy .................................................................................................95 Research Literature .......................................................................................................95