Expanding the Circle:
Respecting the Past, Preparing for the Future

Table of Contents

Curriculum Introduction

• Brief History of American Indian Education

• A New Direction for Today's Students

• Development and Principles of the Curriculum

• Tips for Successfully Using the Curriculum

• Minnesota Graduation Standards Chart

Theme One: The Discovery

Unit 1: The First Day

• The Human Knot (view lesson)
• Anticipation
• The Onaakonan System (OS)
• Journals and Community Circle
• Guest Speakers
• Graffiti Wall
• Participation Contract
• Today is Your First Day
• Community Decision-Making Quilt
• Animal Sanctuary Olympics

Unit 2: Social Supports

• Expectations
• Connections
• Support Star

Unit 3: My Family

• My Family Disclaimer
• Life Within the Circle (Cangleska etima Wiconi - Lakota)
• Family History

Unit 4: My Community

• Community Timeline
• Jigsaw Teaching Community History and Resources
• Elder Interviews
• Picture Book
• Circles of Our Multi-Cultural Selves

Unit 5: About Me

• How High Is Your Self-Esteem?
• Accomplishments Tree
• A Message to Myself
• My Cultural Timeline
• Learning Styles
• Bryanís Learning Style

Unit 6: Responding to Change

• Importance of Indian Humor
• Blindfolded Obstacle Course
• How Do You Handle Stress?
• Stress Balls
• How Do You Cope?
• Positive Approach to Anger
• When You Were Angry...
• Dealing with Grief
• Decision-Making Skills
• Consider the Consequences
• My Life Through My Lenses

Theme Two: The Framework

Unit 1: Goal- Setting

• Go for the Goal
• Give It a Try
• Goal-Setting Star

Unit 2: Self-Advocacy

• What is Self-Advocacy?
• How Do You Get What You Need?
• The Many Worlds I Travel In
• What Does It Look Like?
• Checklist for My Assertiveness Behavior Quotient
• Toughest Indian
• The Common Ground

Unit 3: Problem-Solving

• What is Problem-Solving?
• Gadgets Galore
• And Then There Were Five...
• Group Problem-Solving
• Getting Along with Roommates

Unit 4: Organizational Skills

• Budgeting for College
• Monthly Planning
• Time Management
• Resource List

Unit 5: Communication Skills

• The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
• Reflections (view lesson)
• The Communication Challenge
• I Wish... I Wonder...
• Telephone Line
• I Need To be Heard
• Unit 6: Diversity Awareness
• People Search
• A Place At the Table
• Structured Interview

Theme Three: The Choice

Unit 1: The Vision

• Introduction to Life after High School
• Deciding to Make a Change
• A Look to the Future (view lesson)
• Transition Timeline
• Transition Planning for A Fulfilling Future
• The Possibilities
• Personal Life Plan

Unit 2: Postsecondary Education

• Comparing High School and College
• College Exploration
• Information Letter to College
• College Site Visit
• College Applications
• The Dreaded Essay
• Keeping Track
• Paying for College
• Financial Aid/Scholarship Search
• Financial Aid Applications
• College Success
• College Sponsorship/Mentorship
• Study Habits
• Can You Follow Directions?
• Prove What You Know
• Learning from Lectures

Unit 3: Career Development

• Career Assessment Inventory
• My Style
• Career Skills and Decisions
• The Skills Circle
• Career Exploration
• Cover Letter to Employer
• Winning Resumes
• Employment Application
• Interview Circle
• Dress for Success
• Plan to Impress
• Thank You Letter
• On the Job
• On the Line
• Work-Based Learning Experience

Unit 4: Military Training

• Military as a Postsecondary Option

Theme Four: The Reflection

Unit 1: Bringing It All Together

• Winter Count

• Words of Appreciation

• A Presentation About Me

• Imagine