Policy brief from the James A. & Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research | Idaho at a Glance. June 2014, Vol. 5, No. 2 | Idaho’s American Indian students are a diverse group representing many tribes. Some, but not all, live on reservations; some go to tribal schools while others attend public schools. This report focuses on Native students’ enrollment, academic achievement, postsecondary education, and educational attainment. Major findings point to the need for improving education outcomes:
The gap between Native and non-Native students on achievement tests is persistent.
Native students are less likely than others to be college-ready in math and reading.
Native adults have lower levels of educational attainment than non-Native adults.
Native enrollment at Idaho’s postsecondary institutions is increasing, but shifting away from 4-year institutions and toward 2-year institutions and certificate programs.
This report also highlights a few of the many education efforts of Idaho’s tribes. Tribes are working with public schools to implement place-based education that incorporates cultural knowledge and language into hands-on projects that also help students meet state education requirements. Many tribal leaders view education as a life-long process essential not only to preparing for a career, but also carrying on a tribe’s cultural knowledge, language, and traditions.
