Act 31: A Possible Integration of Indigenous Curriculum in Wisconsin's Teacher Education Program

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: Addressing Systemic Issues Within Education for Indigenous Students Through Culturally Relevant Curriculum, Policy, and Pedagogy

Abstract

This paper examines the only policy that exists in Wisconsin to support the integration of indigenous curriculum into public school and university institutions, Act 31. Questions about the effectiveness of Act 31 and the utilization of it in a Wisconsin based teacher education program are raised and explored. The data of this study is based on Act 31 and reflections from the instructor’s perspective of an online teacher education course on American Indians. This paper argues that there are a lot of gaps and challenges with Act 31 in its current formation due to its lack of depth and accountability and thus a reformulation of Act 31 is urgently needed to ensure a genuine integration of Indigenous curriculum.

Author

• Manu Sharma, Thompson Rivers University