Education equality is a birthright for all Native children, and their instruction should be consistent with their cultural, linguistic, family and tribal communities. It is an ideal that unfortunately is not being realized for every Native child. That is why thousands of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian educators gathered to discuss problems, possible solutions and best practices during the National Indian Education Association's Annual Convention in Honolulu.
NEA President Reg Weaver addressed the group during the Second General Assembly. 'Today, there is a deep divide in public education, and it threatens our nation. These children aren't just falling through the cracks. They are falling into a crater that threatens the future of their tribes, their communities and the future of our nation.'
Weaver pointed out disturbing dropout numbers. According to the Harvard Civil Rights Project, only 51 percent of Native American ninth-graders graduate on time with their classmates. Weaver was also troubled by the gradual extinction of Native languages.
