Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 28, 2003
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
“We have steadily progressed in our education reform efforts,” Locke said. “We are committed to building a world-class education system. That is the key to a vital economy and a prosperous future for our children. We must continue to invest in the future – in their future.”
Locke participated in a roundtable discussion with tribal leaders to develop new ideas on how to further improve Indian education. Among the issues addressed: the high rate of truancy among Indian students, drug and alcohol abuse and the low self-image that Native students experience in a predominantly white education system.
The governor urged tribal leaders to continue working to make schools more culturally responsive in an effort to keep more Indian children in school. While the average overall high school completion rate in Washington state is about 80 percent, the average for Native American students is under 68 percent. The dropout rate for Indian students is twice as high as the overall state average.
“Native American cultural programs have the power to help keep Indian students in school – and they promote diversity,” Locke said. “We’ve seen some good examples in the past year: the Northwest Native Reading Curriculum developed by OSPI, passage of the First Peoples Language Bill and native language instructor certification. We must repeat these successes.”
Locke and tribal leaders also discussed how to close the achievement gap that exists between Indian students and other minorities, and white students. He said technology can help bridge that gap. He noted the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development has provided the first $50,000 grant for the successful launch of the Tribal Technologies program, a unique partnership between GOIA, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the foundation community. The purpose of the program is to help Washington state tribes gain access to technology resources. The second annual Tribal Technologies Visioning Conference will be held in Ocean Shores in May.
Last week, the governor announced the Washington Digital Learning Commons, a Web-based portal accessible from schools, homes and libraries throughout the state, which is also expected to help bridge the achievement gap. Some 15 schools across the state will participate in a pilot program for the Digital Learning Commons starting in September 2003. Three tribal schools – Quileute, Suquamish and Colville – are part of that program.
“Native American children face some of the biggest challenges in education,” said Andrea Alexander, GOIA deputy director and Makah tribal member. “This summit was an opportunity for tribal leaders, educators and policy makers to address those obstacles and work toward improving educational outcomes for Indian students.”
For a full conference report, contact Andrea Alexander at 360-753-2411.
# # #
Related Links:
- GOIA
- Governor's Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 28, 2003
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Gov. Gary Locke, Tribal Leaders Address Indian Education Issues at Summit
OCEAN SHORES – March 28, 2003 – Gov. Gary Locke met with tribal leaders this week to discuss the current state of education for Indian children in Washington state. Locke delivered a keynote address yesterday, March 27, at a summit titled “No Indian Child Left Behind,” sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and held in Ocean Shores. The three-day summit ended today.“We have steadily progressed in our education reform efforts,” Locke said. “We are committed to building a world-class education system. That is the key to a vital economy and a prosperous future for our children. We must continue to invest in the future – in their future.”
Locke participated in a roundtable discussion with tribal leaders to develop new ideas on how to further improve Indian education. Among the issues addressed: the high rate of truancy among Indian students, drug and alcohol abuse and the low self-image that Native students experience in a predominantly white education system.
The governor urged tribal leaders to continue working to make schools more culturally responsive in an effort to keep more Indian children in school. While the average overall high school completion rate in Washington state is about 80 percent, the average for Native American students is under 68 percent. The dropout rate for Indian students is twice as high as the overall state average.
“Native American cultural programs have the power to help keep Indian students in school – and they promote diversity,” Locke said. “We’ve seen some good examples in the past year: the Northwest Native Reading Curriculum developed by OSPI, passage of the First Peoples Language Bill and native language instructor certification. We must repeat these successes.”
Locke and tribal leaders also discussed how to close the achievement gap that exists between Indian students and other minorities, and white students. He said technology can help bridge that gap. He noted the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development has provided the first $50,000 grant for the successful launch of the Tribal Technologies program, a unique partnership between GOIA, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the foundation community. The purpose of the program is to help Washington state tribes gain access to technology resources. The second annual Tribal Technologies Visioning Conference will be held in Ocean Shores in May.
Last week, the governor announced the Washington Digital Learning Commons, a Web-based portal accessible from schools, homes and libraries throughout the state, which is also expected to help bridge the achievement gap. Some 15 schools across the state will participate in a pilot program for the Digital Learning Commons starting in September 2003. Three tribal schools – Quileute, Suquamish and Colville – are part of that program.
“Native American children face some of the biggest challenges in education,” said Andrea Alexander, GOIA deputy director and Makah tribal member. “This summit was an opportunity for tribal leaders, educators and policy makers to address those obstacles and work toward improving educational outcomes for Indian students.”
For a full conference report, contact Andrea Alexander at 360-753-2411.
# # #
Related Links:
- GOIA
- Governor's Office
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