 |
|
|
Welcome to ODSMT.org
The Office of Diné Science, Mathematics, and Technology (ODSMT)/Navajo Nation-Rural Systemic Initiative (NN-RSI) was established on October 1, 1998 to enhance the academic achievement of Navajo Students in Science, Mathematics, and Technology (SMT). NN-RSI is responsible for initiating school reform in SMT by assisting schools on or near the Navajo Nation to dramatically improve science, mathematics, and technology education in Navajo schools. ODSMT/NN-RSI maintains a central office and ten suboffices within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Sustainability of these SMT reforms is assured by encouraging participation of representatives from community, businesses, institutions of higher education, state departments of education for AZ, NM, and UT, as well as other stakeholders. The program is working under the guidance of an Advisory Board and has established working relationships with Diné College, the Navajo North Central Accreditation Office, the Office of Teacher Education Program and the Office of Diné Culture, Language and Community.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Office of Dine' Math Science and Technology and Navajo Nation Rural Systematic Initiative is to be the catalyst for the creation of a standards-based teaching and learning environment in science, mathematics, and technology in schools on or near the Navajo Nation
Goals
1. Assist Navajo schools to develop a comprehensive, standards-based science and mathematics curriculum that is aligned with instruction and assessment. This curriculum is to be supported by technology. The Navajo Language and cultural experiences of the students are used to enhance SMT instruction.
2. Assist all Navajo educational entities in their efforts to develop a coherent and consistent set of policies and standards that support high quality SMT, support teacher preparation in SMT areas, and enhance Navajo students' opportunities to become scientifically and mathematically knowledgeable.
3. Develop resources and partnerships to support SMT education to upgrade and improve education programs for Navajo students who attend schools on or near the Navajo Nation.
4.Develop broad-based support from all partners through NN-RSI efforts.
5. Demonstrate increased student achievement and participation in science, mathematics, and technology to all NN-RSI stakeholders.
6. Significantly reduce the gap in science, mathematics, and technology among Navajo students who attend schools on or near the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Education Information System
The Office of Dine' Science, Mathematics, and Technology along with Navajo Students in Science, Mathematics and Navajo Nation Rural Systematic Initiatives is in the process of developing the navajo Education Information System (NEIS) which will serve as a vehicle to sponsor and accelerate SMT reform efforts currently undertaken by the program, as well as the plans the Department of Dine' Education (DODE) to creat the Navajo Nation Educational Department. The network being established through NEIS will provide access to database from the three state departments of education (NM,AZ, UT), The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and other school systems on the Navajo Nation. The ultimate goal is to streamline the data analysis capability of the program in tracking achievement of Navajo students in SMT. Once the NN-RSI website is in place, the program will start posting information about NN-RSI sponsored activities. The ultimate plan is to make the website versatile and interactive for users.
Key Initiatives
State Educational Status (SEA)-
The Department is seeking federal SEA status to become the central authority for accountability and school improvement, working collaboratively with tribally-controlled schools. In order to become a SEA, the Department must develop and Accountability Workbook.
AYP and Accountability WorkBook
The Department is seeking an alternative defination of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and has develped and submited to BIE an Accountability Workbook that addresses the requirements of No Child Left Behind. The workbook includes a definition of AYP, and how the SEA will measure, test, gather data, etc.
Funding
Last year, the NN-RSI completed its final year of operation through 100% funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF has a vested interest to provide professional leadership in “serving all of the Nation’s children for the 21st Century”. In line with NSF’s mission, the NN-RSI is used an NSF grant, to improve education of Navajo students in rural, economically disadvantaged regions, particularly those that have been underserved by NSF programs. Due to the program’s success and the Navajo Nation President’s position on education, the program received funds from the Navajo Nation.
.
|
|
|
|
|
