The Achievement of American Indian Students in North Carolina A Time to Lead Dr. Olivia Holmes Oxendine Department of School Leadership and Counseling University of North Carolina at Pembroke

STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON INDIAN EDUCATION (SACIE) In 1988, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted Article 13A (NCGS §115C-210), which created the State Advisory Council on Indian Education (SACIE). The Council consists of parents of American Indian students, both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly, higher education, the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, and K-12 educators. The Council examines trends in Indian education; collaborates with school districts and higher education; and routinely revisits its mission, as school reform moves NC in new directions.

State Proficiency Rates (student performing “at or above” grade level) The first state-level assessment of the Common Core State Standards

State Proficiency Rates (student performing “at or above” grade level )

District/LEA Proficiency Rates (student performing “at or above” grade level)

District/LEA Proficiency Rates (student performing “at or above” grade level)

A Few Recommendations  Educate American Indian parents on the state’s testing/assessment program. What is the meaning of proficiency? What will my 9 th grader learn in your English course this year? You’re telling me that my child is reading on Level I? Is that good or bad?  For non-Native teachers, provide awareness training on the socio- economic and cultural profile of American Indian communities.  Pair new teachers (non-Native) with effective American Indian teachers.  Emphasize the relationship between increased student success and positive self-esteem.  Communicate the importance of “whole child” education.