The Status of Educational Attainment and Performance of Adult American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Overview & Synopsis

A 4-year nationwide survey of educational services to adult American Indians and Alaska Natives was designed so the U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education could make decisions about services and funding levels, develop policy, and assess relationships between social conditions, education, and literacy. Home interviews with 4,000 randomly-selected adult Indians used a 16-page questionnaire and 57-item performance level examination; providers of Indian adult education received another questionnaire. Findings indicated the median education among adult Indians was substantially lower than that of any other ethnic/racial group; scores on the Adult Performance Level examination were low; literacy (reading, writing, arithmetic) as measured on the examination did not increase importantly with years of formal education; few Indian adults had attended college; only 57% had high school diplomas (or equivalent); more than 33% were dissatisfied with their education; about 75% wanted more education; and 2 of 3 felt they received irrelevant education. Although Indian-based or community adult education programs were considered most successful, their students did not attend college or better their job situation. Recommendations called for use of native languages in instruction, examination of discriminatory practices, more Indian teachers, and increased Indian community involvement in education. (MH)