Seven Generation Food and Agriculture ILEARN Project: Year 4 External Evaluation Report

Professionals from the Sicangu Lakota Oyate (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) in South Dakota and South Dakota State University are collaborating to fulfill a four-year grant contract with USDA-NIFA to develop K-12 curricula and training that promote sustainable agricultural practices, reflect tribal values, and align with indigenous and national content standards. This evaluation report summarizes and assesses the fourth-year achievements of the grant project using a CIPP analysis model, describing Context, Inputs, Processes, and Products. This report focuses on the fourth-year outcomes of a four-year grant and the action steps for the no-cost year-five extension. Significant highlights of the grant year include an increased focus on curriculum development and publication on an accessible website, lesson-plan development coaching, continued growth in Indigenous stakeholder participation, greater connection with Community educational leaders, and explicit links to Western and Indigenous content standards. The Evaluator's overall opinion is that the grantees continue to achieve grant objectives. They have produced demonstrable impacts on the learning Community and students and developed cohesive, trusted working relationships. Based on their strong performance and achievement of desired outcomes, from my perspective as an external evaluator, the Team deserves strong consideration for funding in future grant applications.