The Revolution in Indian Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The past ten years have brought revolutionary advances in Indian education; further advances are needed and are possible if Indian people build upon their recent gains. Indicators of the revolution in Indian education abound, including increases in college enrollment and numbers of high school graduates, growth of Indian-centered and Indian-controlled colleges (from 1 in 1969 to 28 in 1979), and large numbers of specially funded Indian education projects. Although these advances indicate major educational gains, the gap between Indians and whites is widening as seen by comparing achievements of Indian students and majority males. In order to close this gap, Indians must consolidate their control of educational processes; this entails securing adequate funding for education, training Indian leaders and managers in all professions, building and maintaining strong community involvement in education, conducting practical and theoretical research, and improving communication within and between tribes. One step towards achieving these goals is now under serious consideration: the establishment at Bacone College of a National Indian University that would be the first four-year, baccalaureate degree-granting college to have as its primary mission the education of the American Indian student. (JH)