Effective Standards-Based Practices for Native American Students: A Review of Research Literature

This report reviews education programs and practices that have improved Native American student achievement in English language arts and mathematics. In Navajo tribal schools, teaching Indigenous language and literacy first, followed by teaching English and promoting bilingualism, helped students perform well on tests of vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. In Hawaii, a culturally congruent English language arts program significantly improved Native Hawaiian children's achievement in reading. Emphasis on comprehension over mechanics and phonics allowed children to learn in ways that were congruent with their everyday experiences outside of school. The use of ethnomathematics, based on the same principles of cultural congruence, led to improved student achievement for Native Hawaiian children and Alaskan rural middle school students. All these programs required extensive collaboration and time. Although limited in scope, the evidence suggests that congruency between the school environment and the culture of the community is critical to educational success. Collaborative research and development efforts, carried out at the local level, are needed. Seven action steps are recommended in this regard. An appendix outlines McREL's plan for further research. (Contains 31 references.) (TD)