resources
“High-poverty schools have less access to factors that are key to create educational opportunity, including the most experienced teachers, 21-century facilities, libraries and other resources,” said CSBA Education Policy Analyst Manuel Buenrostro.
In addition to recognizing the number of Native Americans in their district and the socioeconomic challenges they may face, board members are encouraged to take a close look at indicators of school involvement and engagement. According to statewide 2016–17 four-year cohort graduation data, Native American students had the lowest graduation rate of all student groups (68.2 percent), which falls far behind white (87.3 percent) and Asian (93.1 percent) students. Likewise, Native American students have the highest high school dropout rate among all ethnic groups at 5 percent.
Behavioral and disciplinary issues among Native American students are also important factors for school board members to consider. The suspension rate for the demographic group is 7.4 percent, compared to 3.2 percent for white and 1.1 percent for Asian students. Native American students have the highest expulsion rate of all student groups (.25 percent), in contrast to white (.07 percent) and Asian students (0.02 percent).
- November is Native American Heritage Month.
- Native American students in California face significant socio-economic barriers and achievement gaps.
- School board members should focus on local data to target supports for this student group, as well as fostering school connectedness to improve outcomes.
Similar gaps appear in math, as CAASPP data shows 25.7 percent of Native American students met or exceeded standards in 2018, representing a 3.7 percent improvement since 2015. Asian students recorded an achievement percentage of 73.5 percent, while white students came in at 53.6 percent.
“As Native American students are foundational to the Golden State’s cultural fabric, it is critical for governing boards to understand their backgrounds, needs and challenges to provide them with the necessary supports to meet their potential,” Buenrostro said.
Clovis Unified School District’s Title VII Indian Education Program, in addition to focusing on academics, provides opportunities that promote understanding and respect for Native American heritage, both in and out of the classroom setting, according to the program’s website. The district, which served 513 Native American students in the 2015–16 school year, uses the program’s activities to encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay in school and prepare for their futures. Learn more about the program at bit.ly/2ECjOH8