Lesson Plan

Native American Education - Past, Present, and Future: Assimilation

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

To understand the history of Native American education, high schoolers examine the record of young scholars who attended the Carlisle Indian School from 1879-1918. They also examine sources that contain information about indigenous education in the present and implications for future education. The lesson presents a troubling view of the past but suggests a hopeful view of the future.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • While the lesson is complicated, it is also carefully scaffolded; review the plan carefully before presenting it
  • Class members may be aware of the bodies found on the campus of various Canadian  and United States boarding schools; be prepared to discuss what is currently happening regarding the discoveries
  • Check to make sure the link to the online Choice Board is loaded on pupils' devices and that the link is working
  • Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center search engine so you can offer support to researchers
Classroom Considerations
  • The video clip is powerful and upsetting; carefully observe viewers and be prepared to offer support
  • Requires projection equipment for the presentation and the video clip, as well as devices with internet for research
  • Presumes learners are familiar with the Honeycomb strategy
Pros
  • The teacher notes provide extra support for instructors
  • Materials are in both Spanish and English
Cons
  • None
Common Core