[Statement on Indian Education.]

Overview & Synopsis

In a discussion of the problems of American Indian education in the United States, the U.S. Commissioner of Education points out that inadequacies of the present public educational system have resulted in a deplorable situation for the First Americans. Of concern is the need for development of a multilingual, cross-cultural approach to teaching in a curriculum which is sensitive to cultural diversity. Efforts of the Office of Education (OE) to aid the educationally disadvantaged through compensatory programs and Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act are examined, and a strategy is proposed concerning the most effective use of OE resources in pursuit of quality education and involvement of Indians in their educational programs. To intensify the assistance to the Indians in their educational endeavors, the following are discussed: (1) the Higher Education Opportunity Act, (2) the Emergency School Assistance and Quality Integrated Education Act, (3) the National Institute of Education, and (4) the Education Revenue Sharing bill. In conclusion, the commissioner suggests a new commitment to a new Indian education policy which would provide Indians with a more equal educational opportunity. (EL)