Testimony of Patricia Whitefoot, President National Indian Education Association, before the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Students

Overview & Synopsis

In this testimony, Patricia Whitefoot talks on behalf of the National Indian Education Association with regard to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization and addressing the needs of diverse students. Native education has made significant strides since NIEA's founding. Native education, however, still faces enormous challenges, including severe underfunding. Far too many students and schools continue to experience abject failure. It is imperative that the federal government recognize and support the cultural, social, and linguistic needs of these groups to guarantee the continuity of Native communities. Native Ways of Knowing, or knowledge that is unique to Native tribes and cultures, are critical cornerstones for providing the kind of relevant and high quality instruction and education that ensures Native students attain the same level of academic achievement as students nationwide. NIEA believes that with President Obama's pledge to affirm tribal sovereignty through stronger support for educational programs, everyone will begin to see positive changes in Native students' educational attainment. Patricia Whitefoot asks the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education to support the reauthorization of ESEA. The reauthorization of ESEA will help in ensuring the high quality education that Native students deserve. (Contains 7 footnotes.)