Ute Indian Tribe Comprehensive Education Plan.

Overview & Synopsis

A survey of educational programs, background information about the Ute Tribe, and a summary of educational needs are followed by recommendations for improving the quality of education for Ute people. Part I gives a history of educational policy on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation from the first school in 1874 to the present. Part II describes the Ute Tribe's Education Division and its programs in the areas of adult basic education and vocational training, elementary and secondary education, early childhood education, higher education, off-reservation boarding schools, teacher training, and Ute language and cultural maintenance projects. Part III looks at the geography and history of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and its current population and economy. Parts IV and V report educational data for elementary, secondary, and post-high school students. Topics include attendance, dropout rates, and Ute language fluency. Part VI discusses four major needs assessment studies completed from 1973 to 1983 and presents their conclusions. Part VII makes long- and short-range recommendations with emphasis on re-education of the young adult population, vocational education, rigorous evaluation of tribal education programs, tribally operated post-high school institution, and a tribal community college. The appendix includes student achievement scores and a bibliography. (JHZ)