Wind River Rural Systemic Initiative

Fremont County School District #21, Fort Washakie WY

Investigators

Abstract

The Wind River Rural Systemic Initiative (WRRSI) has been promoting quality RSI programs for the Wind River Indian Reservation students for the past five years. Phase II funding will allow WRRSI to expand its focal area and serve approximately 2,150 students, of which 95% are Native American. The need for science and math systemic reform on the Wind River Indian Reservation is documented by test scores showing Native students still score below the state average. WRRSI's Phase I data shows that their programs have made a difference, however, as Wyoming has now adopted statewide standards and has begun to require statewide standardized tests, WRRSI must continue to work to improve these traditionally under served students' scores. Phase II programming will include: On-going professional development opportunities for teachers on the Wind River Indian Reservation; Summer school and after school activities for K-8 students; Summer institute for 9-12 grade students; An integration of culture into the curriculum; and Career awareness and job shadowing programs. Data collection over the next five years will be extensive. WRRSI will develop databases for both students and teachers. Teacher databases will document professional development opportunities and courses taken. The student database will document student achievement and participation in program offerings; track students after they leave high school; and allow WRRSI to determine program effectiveness by comparing students participating in programs to those not participating. WRRSI's underlying goal is to provide Native American students with a solid base in science and mathematics to provide opportunities and choices to compete at the college level.