Welcome
GSCO-44-10 the Office of Dine' School Improvement was established to implement standards-based educational reform on the Navajo Nation. ODSI is charged with closing the academic achievement gap between Navajo students in math, science and technology. The Office Diné School Improvement (ODSI) was formally the Office of Diné Science, Math & Technology which evolved from the Navajo Nation-Rural Systemic Initiative (NN-RSI).
The purpose of the Office of Diné School Improvement (ODSI) is to improve schools through professional development, coaching and mentoring of educators; enhancing and training educators on data analysis and making data driven decisions; developing and implementing school improvement plans with educators; strengthening leadership skills and knowledge of educators and parents; and leveraging technology in new and innovative ways for the purposes of systemic support, instructor excellence and student academic achievement.
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 sub-offices 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.
Goals
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Implement Using Data Process initiatives with 24 BIE Grant Schools.
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Work with schools on Standards Based curriculum alignment, teaching and learning (Common Core).
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Work with Math and Science programs across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah
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Work with DC, NTC, ASU, Fort Lewis, University of Utah and NAU.
- Continue with the development of the Navajo Education Information System.
Navajo Education Information System
The Office of Diné School Improvement has established the Navajo Education Information System (NEIS) which serves as a vehicle to sponsor and accelerate SMT reform efforts currently undertaken by the program, as well as the plans the Department of Diné Education (DODE) to create 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
The Department is seeking federal State Educational Status (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 an Accountability Workbook.
AYP and Accountability Workbook
The Department is seeking an alternative definition of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and has developed and submitted to BIE an Accountability Workbook that addresses the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The workbook includes a definition of AYP and how the SEA will measure, test, gather data, etc.
Funding
The Office of Diné School Improvement is funded 100% by the Navajo Nation, a General Funded program.