Title VI Indian Education Program
What is the Indian Education Program?
Title VI of the Indian Education Act was first authorized by Congress in 1972. A subcommittee ascertained that the Native Americans were performing poorly within the public-school systems. Recommendations called for federal assistance in education and cultural support services as well as increased parent participation.
Title VI is administered through an LEA (Local Education Agency). The Missisquoi Valley School District (MVSD) is our LEA. Funding for Title VI comes directly through the Federal Department of Education.
Title VI Indian Education is a community-based project that continually solicits input from Abenaki community members. Program goals are derived from a belief that parents play a critical role in the education of their children. Our project has been operating since 1981.
What are the goals of the program?
The program is committed to assuring equity for all students through direct intervention, systemic change, and increased parent involvement. Goals include:
- Increasing the achievement level of Abenaki students, Grades K-12.
- Reducing the dropout rate of high school students.
- Providing cultural enrichment activities.
- Promoting active parent participation through many opportunities, including our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), which oversees all program activities.
What services are available?
Home-School Services
If parents are experiencing any communication problem with their schools, they may contact our office and assistance with any educational issue will be provided. At the same time, if school personnel are having problems with establishing contact with a family, we can facilitate liaison support services.
Circle of Courage After-School Program
Abenaki Circle of Courage is an after-school and summer camp program designed to teach both Native and non-Native children about the Abenaki culture including Native dance, flute, crafts, jewelry, drumming, songs, and foods.
Parent Workshops
These include various parenting groups, meetings with representatives from colleges such as the University of Vermont, and informational sessions with local school officials.
MVU Pass Program
The Indian Education Pass Program is located at Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School. Its services are aimed at supporting all Abenaki students grade 7-12 in the areas of academic tutoring, post high school plans (employment skills and applying to college), small group exploration (leadership skills, study skills, etc.), and cultural awareness that focuses on traditional Abenaki crafts/performance art.
What other projects is the Indian Education Program involved in?
Curriculum Development
One of our most exciting developments is the "American Abenaki Curriculum", a collaboration among the VT Commission on Native American Affairs, the four state recognized tribes, and the Seventh Generation Foundation. A curriculum committee, comprised of representation from each of the tribes, have worked for over two years on this initiative, and it will be the first Abenaki curriculum designed with classroom teaching support built into its own website. It is our hope that a rollout of this exciting new curriculum will take place in Montpelier at the state house sometime in November. For more information about this curriculum, please contact Jeff Benay @ 802-371-7334 or jeff.benay@mvsdschools.org