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OSELC understands that while we may be taking a different approach to education, our model is not unique; many independent schools with alternative models of education were founded during the pandemic. However, in many cases, only families with privilege have been able access those schools. OSELC’s families fall on the lower end of socio-economic status. To alleviate financial burden, we do not charge tuition so that our learners can have access to a culturally grounding, affirming, and sustaining learning environment.
*Racial and ethnic demographics as defined by the model provider via self-report
**Economic need defined locally.
https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp? Search=1&InstName=rapid+city&State=46&DistrictType=1&DistrictType=2&DistrictType=3&DistrictType=4&DistrictType=5&DistrictType=6&D istrictType=7&DistrictType=8&NumOfStudentsRange=more&NumOfSchoolsRange=more&ID2=4659820&details=4
In terms of racial, ethnic, and cultural makeup, OSELC is an inclusive organization currently serving learners and families who are 100% Indigenous, representing the Lakota, Dakota, Anishinaabe, Hidatsa, Mandan, Hualapai, and Dine nations. However, our doors are open to any student who wishes to learn through the Indigenous perspective. We center our cultural identity in our educational model because we are Indigenous but also to recognize and honor the ancestral homelands upon which we live.
Although we currently serve six learners, we are working toward putting structures in place so we can expand to 20 students in the Fall of 2022. Reaching that goal will depend on securing additional funds as referenced in our Projected Year 1 Budget.
CULTURALLY AFFIRMING CURRICULUM CENTERS HANDS-ON LEARNING.
OSELC creates their own curriculum to ensure learning experiences and content center the Lakota culture. They align project-based learning to state standards so students can explore challenges and opportunities their community faces.
EDUCATORS DEEPLY VALUE THEIR LAKOTA HERITAGE
Teachers at OSELC take seriously their role creating a school that sustains the Lakota culture. Staff tap into local expertise and invite community leaders to facilitate guest lessons.
INSTRUCTION STARTS WHEN STUDENTS ARE RESTED, FED, AND READY
OSELC’s doors open at 7:30 a.m. when students are invited to sleep or be in the space under adult supervision. Instruction begins at 10 a.m., when children are ready to fully engage in learning.
OSELC INVITES COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE WITH STUDENTS
One way OSELC grounds themselves in the Lakota culture and community is by encouraging family and community members to host lectures, field trips, lessons, and share their historical and cultural knowledge.
“It's a critical need to redefine success. I think that we are so mired down in traditional notions of achievement. We aren’t only concerned if our learners master specific content standards. Rather, we ask: Can our children think? Will our children be able to navigate life outside of our little community? If they can, if they have a strong sense of who they are culturally and have the capacity to advocate for themselves, to identify their needs and advocate for those needs, I think that's success.”
