Tribally Controlled Schools

A Tribally Controlled School:

• Receives a grant under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988, as amended (25 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.), or is deemed by the Secretary to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in section 5205 of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988, as amended (25 U.S.C. 2504).
• Is operated by a tribe or tribal organization that enrolls K-12 students, including preschoolers.
• Is not a local education agency and is not directly administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Bureau of Indian Education.

The BIE functions as a State Education Agency, administering and overseeing educational programs in BIE-funded schools. The Department of Education allocates funds to support education and services for students attending BIE-funded elementary and secondary schools. Bureau Operated Schools are managed under the direct oversight of the BIE, while federally recognized tribes manage Tribally Controlled Schools through grants or contracts from the BIE.

Each Tribally Controlled School is part of an Education Resource Center team with offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Nashville, Tennessee; Seattle, Washington; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Flandreau, South Dakota; Kyle, South Dakota; and Bismarck, North Dakota.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

The Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment office provides expertise in implementing Common Core State Standards, which includes the framework for teaching, instructional program development, formative assessments, and various system-wide improvement initiatives in accordance with 25 CFR Part 36 for Bureau-Operated and Tribally Controlled Schools. The CIA Education Specialist coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness of curriculum and instructional programs while collaborating with various agencies across multiple states to enhance student achievement.

Primary Focus:

• Oversee assigned program components to ensure effective curriculum implementation and alignment with CCSS or the State Standards of TCS School.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of subject content programs and instructional strategies to improve student achievement.
• Develop and manage policies and procedures related to CCSS or State Standards adopted by the school and instructional frameworks.
• Offer guidance on best practices in education, child development, instructional methodologies, and assessment practices.

Native Language, Culture, and History

The Native Language, Culture, and History office supports the native language programs in Tribally Controlled Schools and works collaboratively with communities and tribal governments to restore, revitalize, and sustain native languages. The NLCH Education Specialist assists with language initiatives at both the tribal and federal levels and provides necessary technical assistance to the schools.

Primary Focus:

• Develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate the curriculum and instruction of language and culture programs.
• Serve as an analyst and advisor in administering and monitoring 100-297 Grant programs to ensure compliance with 25 CFR Part 36 & 39 regulations and policies.
• Plan and develop model programs based on best practices in instructional methodology and techniques.
• Develop and conduct in-service training sessions.
• Assist schools in selecting teaching materials, methods, and media for acquiring native language, culture, and history.
• Evaluate and submit reports on the program’s performance.
• Advocate for schools regarding ISEP language program funding.
• Promote programs and communicate and collaborate with federal agencies, state departments, tribes, and other private entities.

School Board Training Staff

The Tribally Controlled Schools School Board Training Staff aims to provide professional consultation services to members of TCS tribal governing boards, local school boards, school leaders, and Tribal Education Departments. The School Boards Education Specialist offers a support system through technical assistance and ongoing professional development training opportunities for TCS school boards to effectively govern schools, emphasizing student outcomes and capacity building. Additionally, we collaborate with subject matter experts and colleagues across BIE to strengthen the support systems for both internal and external stakeholders.

Residential Life

The Residential Life office supports tribal nations in creating safe and supportive communities that engage residents in fostering their academic success, personal growth, leadership development, and social responsibility. The Residential Life Specialist provides guidance, technical assistance, professional development, and support to residential programs throughout the Tribally Controlled Schools to ensure that residential life experiences complement and enhance classroom instruction.

Primary Focus:

• Serve as an analyst and advisor in administering and monitoring 100-297 Grant programs to ensure compliance with 25 CFR Part 36 & 39 regulations and policies.
• Establish and coordinate a reporting system to ensure accuracy, validity, completeness, and timely submission.
• Evaluate and submit reports on the program’s performance.
• Evaluate, identify, and provide professional development opportunities.
• Develop and conduct in-service training.
• Advocate for programs and communicate and collaborate with federal agencies, state departments, tribal entities, and other private organizations.
• Ensure residential programs provide a safe and secure living environment through onsite monitoring visits and reviews.

Student Safety

The Student Safety office prioritizes safety within tribal nations, promoting a safe and supportive learning environment essential for academic success. Putting safety at the forefront enhances student engagement, personal growth, leadership development, and social responsibility. The Student Safety Specialist provides comprehensive guidance, technical assistance, and professional development to programs throughout Tribally Controlled Schools, ensuring our commitment to prioritizing student safety. This approach protects students and significantly contributes to their academic outcomes and well-being.

Primary Focus:

• Serve as an analyst and advisor in administering and monitoring 100-297 Grant programs to ensure they meet and comply with 25 CFR Part 36 & 63 regulations and policies.
• Assist school administrators in managing safety operations and provide guidance in emergency situations. Readily available online information can be found at SchoolSafety.gov.
• Collect, analyze, and report data related to violence, vandalism, property loss, substance abuse, and other school safety concerns.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop policies and procedures that enhance school safety during ISEP visits.
• Aid in the development of School Safety Policies and Procedures. Readily available consultation, information, and resources can be found at the National Center for School Safety.
• Identify training needs and create materials and plans to strengthen prevention, mitigation, and response capabilities. The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center offers online courses.
• Maintain emergency operations plans at the district, school, and site levels. The Multihazard Emergency Planning for Schools Toolkit provides readily available online resources.
• Conduct annual reviews and approvals of school emergency operations plans.
• Follow up on emergencies and coordinate internal and external resources to ensure effective safety measures.

School Improvement Specialists

School Improvement Specialists support Tribally Controlled Schools by enhancing student outcomes through their work in Education Resource Centers. These specialists build effective support systems by providing targeted technical assistance, instructional coaching, and professional development for school staff.

In collaboration with tribes and school leaders, School Improvement Specialists help ensure schools align with tribal policies, regulatory requirements, and established procedures. They share critical information, promote best practices, and offer guidance to strengthen school programs and governance.

To uphold program integrity, compliance, and accountability, School Improvement Specialists conduct on-site reviews, deliver targeted technical support, and lead monitoring, analysis, and data validation efforts. They work closely with schools to provide tailored, systematic support that drives continuous improvement across Tribally Controlled Schools.