The South Dakota Office of Indian Education has launched the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards (OSEUS) Online Training Course (Feb. 1, 2024).
The OSEUS training course was created to assist administrators and teachers in integrating the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings into their schools and classrooms. This online course is free and self-paced, allowing educators to fit the class around their schedules. Currently, the course is only available to educators with a K12.sd.us email address. The training course contains three sections: “Getting to Know the OSEUS,” “Culturally Responsive Practices,” and “Creating Lessons with Inquiry Design Model.”
“The goal of the OSEUS course is to spread cultural awareness and education about the Oceti Sakowin in all schools, “said Office of Indian Education Director Fred Osborn. “Our office is excited to provide educators an opportunity to learn about the OSEUS and how to incorporate them into their classrooms.”
“Getting to Know the OSEUS,” guided by the wisdom of indigenous elders from South Dakota, explores the significance of the land, environment, identity, culture, language, oral traditions, sovereignty, and way of life of the Oceti Sakowin people.
“Culturally Responsive Practices” guides teachers through understanding their indigenous students’ backgrounds and promotes socio-cultural consciousness. In this section, educators can expect to embrace the unique cultures of our Native American tribes.
“Creating Lessons with Inquiry Design Model” provides guidance to teachers on how to incorporate OSEUS teachings into lesson plan content across various grade levels. Additionally, the course provides guidance to administrators on creating a year-long plan for OSEUS vertical alignment in their school.
Educators will be offered Continuing Education Credits or Graduate Credits upon completing the three-part course. Educators interested in taking the course with a K12 email address can register by visiting https://bhssc.pdx.catalog.canvaslms.com/browse/tie/oseus.
A promotional video of the course can be viewed by clicking here. This initiative is funded by the Wóokiye Project, a Bush Foundation grant project.
Visit indianeducation.sd.us to learn more about the Office of Indian Education.
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