2009-12: Support Fast Track Bill to Fund Native Early College Schools

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Indian organization of American Indian, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its’ unique relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Nativeand Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the national high school drop out rates among American Indian youth have historicallybeen the highest of any minority group in the country, and among those who do graduate from high school, many are unable to complete college because they lack college-ready preparation and skills;and

WHEREAS, American Indian students who fail to graduate from high school prepared to attend afouryear college are much less likely to gain full access to our country’s economic, political, and social opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Native Early College High Schools which partner with a college to allow students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and one to two years of college credit, including anAssociate’s degree, tuition-free, have been created across the country in collaboration with tribes and tribal communities; and

WHEREAS, research by the Gates Foundation and conducted by Jobs for the Future has shownthat early college high schools are an effective tool for increasing attendance and college-going rates, as well as student achievement on statewide assessments; and

WHEREAS, the Fast Track to College Act (reintroduced by Senator Herb Kohl and Congressman DaleE. Kildee March 18, 2009) authorizes approximately $45 million for partnerships of school districts, colleges, and nonprofit organizations for new or existing “early college high school”programs,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Indian Education Association supports thepremise of the early college model initiated by fifteen Native Early College Schools in seven states to increase American Indian student high school graduation rates and the percentage of students who complete college.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the National Indian Education Association urges the U.S. Government to fulfill its’ trust responsibility by fully supporting the Fast Track to College Act of 2009 which will make grants to support existing Native Early College High Schools, and support the creation ofothers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the National Indian Education Association urges the U.S. Congressto request an appropriation specifically to support existing Native early college schools within the appropriations section 4, reservations of the Fast Track legislation House Resolution1578.