Schools and districts are responsible for implementing Maine Native Studies at all grade spans. Instruction in Maine Native Studies serves multiple ends:
- Allows teachers to provide instruction around important concepts that transcend any one subject area or time period (for example, injustice, continuity and change, culture, interdependence);
- Allows students to examine historical and contemporary issues in a more balanced context;
- Develops future citizens of Maine who will possess a deeper awareness of the complex and continually-evolving Maine Native cultures,
- Allows students to understand Native Americans using authentic, meaningful examples from the state of Maine.
Teachers are encouraged to approach this content as integrative rather than an “add on”.