Beginning in the 1998-99 school year, state departments of education were required by law to evaluate the progress of their school districts. The legislation also required districts failing to make adequate progress to be designated as being “in need of improvement”. When the first round of these schools were identified, a great many of them were on or near federal Indian reservations.
In response to this discovery, NWREL’s Comprehensive Center for Region X has organized a special conference for schools serving tribal students populations, tribal education departments, and Title IX Indian education projects. Connecting Culture and Academics: Moving Indian Students Toward Academic Excellence takes place June 29 - 30, 2000 in Spokane, Washington. NWREL is organizing this conference in collaboration with the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the Nez Perce, Coeur D’Alene, and Spokane tribes, and the state departments of education in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
The conference is limited to 200 participants and will feature:
Robey Clark, associate trainer in NWREL’s Comprehensive Center, has been working on organizing the conference.
“This conference is vitally important,” says Clark. “We’re talking about true systemic change without which all of our talk about high standards for kids isn't going to happen.”
Clark says he is pleased that participants will have the opportunity to learn from tribally based efforts, and to attend presentations on school reform and change. “At the conference, participants will have the chance to think about student engagement and teaching strategies,” he says.
The deadline for registration is May 26. Since participation is limited, early registration is strongly recommended. While anyone interested in the education of American Indian/Alaska Native students is welcome, it is recommended that schools send a team of delegates to take best advantage of the training and resources.
For more information, call (503) 275-0653 or 1-800-547-6339 Ext. 653 and ask for the Connecting Culture and Academics conference.
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Date of Last Update: 9/28/01 
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