Inspiring Brilliance In Native Youth > Programming

Student Services Assessment

The Fernandeño Tataviam

Education and Cultural Learning Department (ECLD)

The Fernandeno Tataviam Education and Cultural Learning Department (ECLD) strives to provide holistic services for K-12 Native youth who currently reside on Tataviam ancestral Lands. As outlined by the State American Indian Education Program our overall student goals include; obtaining academic achievement, building leadership skills, preparing for college and careers, and developing Native identity and community. To achieve these goals, we use a holistic Student Services Assessment to determine student eligibility and needs.  More specifically, the Student Services assessment is a rubric used to identify student grade level, document the date of the assessment, apply a rating each domain area in which we provide services, and determine student services route. The overall total and individual domain ratings are tallied to determine optimal student services and eligibility.  

Education and Cultural Learning Department establishes services for Native Youth based upon the following criteria: Student Services Assessment, students school grades, student behaviors, parent interviews, teacher documentation and/or observations, student interviews and programing attendance rate. The process of determining services adheres to the AIEC policy of enrollment, minimum service hours, completion of CHKS and regular participation.  

The Student Services Assessment is a holistic rubric that aligns with the four pillars of the Indigenous Wellness wheel: Mind, Body, Community, and Emotions. It is designed to meet the unique needs of each student while also, striving to close the achievement gap for Native Youth within the limits of our program. The Student Services Assessment is administered upon enrollment in the program and reevaluated on a semesterly basis. If issues arise regarding student behavior or chronic absenteeism, the ECLD staff is to first notify parents/guardians and conduct a meeting to address concerns. If student behavior or chronic absenteeism continues then a meeting will be held to reevaluate service criteria and review Parent Agreement and Student Expectations Contract. In the case of prolonged behavioral concerns or chronic absenteeism a student may be exited from the program after three scheduled revaluation meetings. 

Within The Student Services Assessment

six key domains have been outlined;

Academic Excellence

College and Career Readiness

Sense of Community

Cultural Identity

Growth Mindset

Leadership Skills

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A total rating of 15 or more points indicates more than a 50% need for services. A total rating of 14 or less points indicates that the student is high achieving and does not qualify for direct services. The Domains with the highest scores are then used to evaluate which program track would best benefit the individual student. The tracks offered through our program are as follows;

Youth

Track - Sherchiinchin (YELLOW)

Designed for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. This track targets the Body and Community though offering fun and active cultural programming. 

Young Adult

Track - Rroun' (BLUE)

Designed for students from 8th to 12th grade. This track targets the Mind, Body, and Community though offering opportunities to develop life skills, advanced cultural knowledge, and hands on adulting experience.  

Academic

Track- Sikwa (GREEN)

Designed for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and adults pursuing higher education. This track targets the Mind by offering intensive support with academics, college preparation, testing preparation and career readiness. 

Family

Track - Sheriin' (RED)

Designed for families with preschool through 12th grade students and/or students who scored 14 or less points of the Student Services Assessment. This track targets Mind, Body, Community, and Emotions though offering safe communal spaces for families to participate in cultural activities. 

Academics: sikwa (green)

Target: Kindergarten through 12th grade & adults pursuing higher education

Designed for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and adults pursuing higher education. This track targets the Mind by offering intensive support with academics, college preparation, testing preparation and career readiness.
Programs Provided:

Ünaaqa' Püraqk (become educated)

is the ECLD after-school tutoring that is offered on Tuesdays for students in K-12 and those seeking to obtain their GED, studying for the SAT and ACT. Students will develop college preparedness and test preparations skills. Formerly known as Tamit Mite.

College preparation workshops

that are free to the public and are facilitated by a Tribal citizen employed at CSUN who specializing in FAFSA workshops along with other special workshops such as SAT and GED workshops before their key program deadlines.

Youth Track: sherchiinchin (yellow)

Target: students in kindergarten-8th Grade

Designed for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. This track targets the Body and Community though offering fun and active cultural programming.
Programs Provided:

Re-Indigenize Your Bookshelf

will include Cultural Relevant Non-Fiction and Fiction literature. Students will be exposed to Indigenous literature from across the US States and Globe. Students will be given Common-Core aligned assignments and activities. This will include two tracks for infant- 4th grade and 5th.

Intertribal Dance Series

is an intergenerational program for youth and their families to be instructed by three cultural experts in men’s dance, women’s dance, singing, and drumming.

Traveling Tataveaveat (TATAVIAM LAND)

Introduces youth to the traditional Fernandeño Tataviam villages and cultural sites such as Vasquez rocks, Rancho Camulos Village, and San Fernando Mission. Students and families travel across traditional Tataviam lands and make contemporary connections to historical sites. The program can be delivered virtually but in-person instruction is preferred. This program also incorporates the TUPE grant.

Yawayro: Indigenous Awareness & Literacy Development

The scope of the project is to create circulating story kits from grades pre-k to 4th. A partnership with the Santa Clarita Public Library.

Tergnava (SUMMER) Naturalist

A summer series for K-12 students in which they explore traditional Tataviam, Tongva, and Chumash lands and learn various environmental, naturalist, and survival skills

Vüravk (TALK) Fernandeño-Tataviam

Dive into the oral traditions of the Fernandeño-Tataviam language with our ongoing series. Learn greetings, colors, numbers, animals, plants, and more!

Camp Tamit (SUN)

A multi-week camp for Native Youth from 4th-12th grade. Students are instructed by several cultural experts throughout various summer in activities. Camp can be conducted in person or virtually. This program also incorporates the TUPE grant.

Young Adult: rroun' (blue)

Target: students in the 8th -12th

Designed for students from 8th to 12th grade. This track targets the Mind, Body, and Community though offering opportunities to develop life skills, advanced cultural knowledge, and hands on adulting experience.
Programs Provided:

College & Career Pathways Series

A 6th-12th grade multipart series of presentations and Campus tours of colleges and personal narratives from Native students who have attended various colleges and universities. And will include adult transition curriculum series that provides students with lessons and activities that develop basic adulting skills

Keep Tobacco Sacred

workshops will be provided for students and families. During these workshops, students will be informed on the culturally appropriate uses of tobacco and sage; when, who and where to use such items. Participants will also learn more about the harmful effects of tobacco.

Family: sheriin' (red)

Target: Families with Preschool through 12th grade students

Designed for families with preschool through 12th grade students and/or students who scored 14 or less points of the Student Services Assessment. This track targets Mind, Body, Community, and Emotions though offering safe communal spaces for families to participate in cultural activities.
Programs Provided:

Keep tobacco Sacred

provide an opportunity for families to engage in cultural learning from presenters who have expertise in explaining, guiding, and crafting cultural items.

Indigenous Festivities

Tribal events, festivities, and celebrations throughout the year such as Indigenous Peoples Day, California Indian Day, and Solstice days. This program is often held at or incorporated into FTBMI tribal events.

Intertribal Dance

Students and families learn the histories, performance skills, and cultural importance of Pow Wow dance and regalia. This program can be completed in person, virtually, or independently.

Traveling Tataveaveat (TATAVIAM LAND)

Introduces youth to the traditional Fernandeño Tataviam villages and cultural sites such as Vasquez rocks, Rancho Camulos Village, and San Fernando Mission. Students and families travel across traditional Tataviam lands and make contemporary connections to historical sites. The program can be delivered virtually but in-person instruction is preferred. This program also incorporates the TUPE grant.

Keep Tobacco Sacred series

Series will be provided for students and families. During these workshops, students will be informed on the culturally appropriate uses of tobacco and sage; when, who and where to use such items. Participants will also learn more about the harmful effects of tobacco.  

More Information

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Questions And Answers

American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American youth.

Yes! We are currently working on implementing a wide range of workshops to be online.

We are available Mon – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM