current PROJECT
Circles of Reflection: Early Learning
PARTICIPATING STAFF: Dr. Steven M. Kimball, Dr. Nicole Bowman
In partnership with the Native Education Collaborative of the National Comprehensive Center, the Circles of Reflection process fostered dialogue between Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction staff and educators from organizations serving Native American early learners through the summer and fall of 2022. The project then entered an action planning phase which centers the voices of educators and leaders of Tribal Nations to identify actionable, evidenced-based, and quality practices to support Native children.
Built on a protocol from the National Comprehensive Center (NCC), the Circles of Reflection fosters dialogue between the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, early education leaders from multiple Indigenous Nations of Wisconsin, and educators from organizations serving Native American early learners.
A series of Circles meetings occurred through the summer and fall of 2022, leading to an action plan focused on language development and assessment. The process is organized to center the voices of educators and leaders of Tribal Nations to identify actionable, evidenced-based, and quality practices to support early learners.
The main action steps involved: 1) supporting the Early Childhood Indigenous Language Summit, in partnership with the Young Learner’s Tribal Language Revitalization Grant, held at the Oneida Nation Elementary School; 2) engaging WIDA as a partner to explore research and potential funding opportunities; 3) Connecting with DPI’s Systems of Support for Indigenous Language Education resources and educational/professional learning opportunities. Work is continuing into 2023-2024.
Project Partners
Topics
Early Learning
Contacts
Dr. Steven M. Kimball email hidden; JavaScript is required
Project Resources
Circles of Reflection: Supporting Early Learning for Wisconsin’s Native Communities