1. The Achievement of American Indian Students in North Carolina LESSONS: LEADING EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN THE SUCCESS OF NATIVE STUDENTS Dr. Olivia Holmes Oxendine Department of School Leadership and Counseling University of North Carolina at Pembroke

2. 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 representatives, 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.

3. State Proficiency Rates (students performing “at or above” grade level) 2012-1343.929.056.625.628.8 The first state-level assessment of the Common Core State Standards

4. State Proficiency Rates (students performing “at or above” grade level ) 2012-1351.235.562.732.539.6

5. District/LEA Proficiency Rates (students performing “at or above” grade level) 2012-1343.924.923.641.019.019.3

6. District/LEA Proficiency Rates (students performing “at or above” grade level) 2012-1351.230.520.950.320.033.1

7. A Few Recommendations  Educate American Indian parents on the basics of accountability/testing. 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 programs on the socio/economic/cultural issues affecting the achievement of AI students.  Pair non-Native teachers with successful American Indian educators.  Emphasize the relationship between increased student success and positive self-esteem.  Communicate the importance of “whole child” education.  Increase collaboration between universities and public schools, especially in regions of NC where Title VII (Indian Education Act) programs are well established.