American Indian Education Research Alliance (Historical)

Research has repeatedly shown that schools serving American Indian (AI) students face myriad challenges and have lower educational outcomes than schools serving non-Native student populations. Issues such as low postsecondary readiness, low achievement, and high rates of absenteeism were pervasive in many AI schools. The REL Central region was home to many AI tribes, and SEAs were focusing on closing these persistent gaps in outcomes. The American Indian Education Research Alliance (RA) focused on projects supporting South Dakota and North Dakota in better understanding the issues facing schools as they implement solutions. The alliance had two areas of focus: Needs Assessment; and Culturally Responsive Instructional Strategies. These areas of focus worked together to support the long-term goal of connecting AI students and communities to schools in order to reduce disparities in outcomes.