Reimagining RUS
How North Slope schools and communities are leveraging RUS to enhance learning in culture, language, history and more.
A Novel Approach
North Slope Borough School District is thinking outside the box, and their communities and schools will be reaping the benefits of their innovative actions.
Typically, the USDA Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning & Telemedicine (RUS DLT) grants are used by districts to purchase devices for distance learning. And while these tools are vital, the grants have supported another option that is little, if ever, used. This option allows for districts to leverage RUS grant funds for creating custom distance delivery curriculum. In fact, special consideration is given to projects that prioritize language and culture.
NSBSD partnered with LYNX to explore and develop a project that promises to involve students in authentic learning opportunities and that includes partnering with community stakeholders and knowledge bearers to enhance locally created curriculum in the areas of North Slope Science, North Slope History and Culture, North Slope Government, Iñupiaq Grammar, and Conversational Iñupiaq.
Including the Community & Students
This project is designed to leverage existing curricular resources that NSBSD has developed in-house, and make it more accessible for teachers and students, as well as enhance the learning experience with media and interactive activities that will keep students engaged. The NSBSD has a long history of creating rich culture- and place-based materials, both through outside contractors, and by teachers as well. One of the unique facets of this project, and what sets it apart is the purposeful collaboration with students, and community. This is directly tied to the NSBSD’s Strategic Plan, and Pedagogy implementation. During the development of this media, LYNX and community partners will work with students to provide them with authentic learning experiences in creative technologies like photo and video, audio, animation, graphic design, etc.
The district plans to build on this even further, by providing intensives in these areas in partnership with their CTE department. In this way, students will be working within their community to build compelling assets for upcoming students and participate in a meaningful way in the community.
Extending the Opportunities Even Further
NSBSD also sought further funding and was awarded a grant through a special appropriation from Senator Murkowski to support more community involvement and greater coverage of media documentation for access in these courses, ensuring opportunities for partnerships where local talent and knowledge can be utilized and shared. This is a huge boost in filling in the goals and objectives the district had in their vision for this project.
NSBSD and LYNX plan to partner with local entities, tribes, and knowledge bearers to ascertain what resources may be made available beyond the district to the extended community as well. Also, great care will be taken in this area to ensure appropriate protections and sharing of intellectual and cultural resources. At the end of this process, NSBSD will own the curriculum assets outright. There will be no external licensing fees, like with so many other curricula.
Can Other Districts Implement Similar Innovations?
The short answer to this is ‘Absolutely, yes!’
At the federal level, there is an appreciation for this innovative approach to using funds to build lasting distance learning options. Further, these types of programs can be brought forth and discussed within the community to tie in with local initiatives and/or needs.
When it comes to thinking creatively about how to leverage technology for meaningful and long-lasting use, NSBSD and their communities have something to celebrate, and we look forward to helping where we can and honoring them as they bring their knowledge, culture, and language to a new enhanced format.
If you are interested in sharing your successes or are thinking about how similar projects can be implemented in your districts, including creative ways districts and communities are working together to provide meaningful and authentic learning experiences for students, please feel free to reach out to us. We always are looking to learn more and share any experiences we can that help Alaskan school districts and communities.
NOTE: Under the Eligible Grant Purposes, Part 3 allows for the “Acquiring or developing instructional programming that is a capital asset… Instructional programming and course material for teaching…are eligible…” The section goes on to clarify that, “The funded development and acquisition of instructional programming must be done through an independent third party and may not be performed using the applicant’s employees.”