New NCES report sheds light on performance of American Indian and Alaska Native students

The two-part study focuses on both the educational progress and experiences of American Indian and Alaska native (AI/AN) students. Details about these students’ cultural exposure, academic aspirations, school conditions and curriculum are included among the report findings.  Hager Sharp supported the development of the reports, as well as all release materials.  We additionally provided support at briefings and assisted media in navigating the data and writing their stories.  

One story that was published about the NIES findings was by Christine Armario of the Associated Press. The story highlights the performance gap between AI/An students and their peers, specifically referencing the performance of students attending Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. To date, this story has generated more than a 187 million impressions. has run in more than 650 media publications nationwide including the Seattle Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Detroit News, and Houston Chronicle.  There was also strong coverage online, and in Education blogs and EdWeek.

 While AI/AN students represent only about 1% of the population nationwide, these students face a unique set of educational situations and challenges. The National Indian Education Study not only provides a better understanding of their learning environments, but it also sheds light on this often overlooked group of students and their academic struggles.