Brandel’s Master’s Degree: Addressing Native History Gaps in K-12 Education

Angie Brandel, a professor at the University of Dubuque, is scheduled to present a lecture titled Place as Ancestor: Where Our Stories Begin on April 13, 2026. The presentation focuses on how travel and experiential learning can expand educational opportunities.

Brandel’s academic background includes a master’s degree in effective teaching in elementary education. Her graduate studies specifically focused on the lack of Native history and culture within the K-12 curriculum.

The professor brings over nine years of professional experience to her current role, having taught in both general and special education classrooms at the K-12 level.

Context of Native American Education

The focus of Brandel’s academic work aligns with broader research regarding the academic performance and support systems for Native American students. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicates that reading and math scores for Native American students have remained stagnant over a 15-year period and are consistently lower than those of their peers.

Research conducted by REL West suggests that culturally relevant education is a primary theme in improving outcomes for these students. This research identifies three broad categories essential for academic support:

• Knowledge of culture and community
• Ways of learning
• Academic content

Findings indicate that the success of Native youth in schools can be significantly impacted by teachers who possess knowledge of Indigenous culture. Alignment between the school and the community culture, as well as educator engagement with the community, can influence academic performance.

Qualitative studies have shown that Native American parents identify the fostering of a learning environment that respects their culture and maintains clear communication as key factors that encourage their involvement in the schooling process.