The Value of Indian Education in Montana

When Shirley Bollich’s Native American students outperformed their 11th-grade classmates on tests last spring, she was ecstatic.

"I am shouting their praises to everybody," said Bollich, C.M. Russell High School’s Indian education coordinator.

She should. Schools nationwide mostly fail to bring the academic performance of ethnic minority students to levels achieved by their white peers.

Montana is no different.

This year, though, the state finally funded a law that guarantees Montana pay attention in schools to the state’s Native American heritage.

The law, Indian Education for All, isn’t about improving Native students’ performance in school.

But that is one effect it has.

Like CMR, public schools in Great Falls that heeded the mandate — well before the state ever funded it — see minority students thrive. They see something else, too: Racial tensions dissipate.

By KEILA SZPALLER
Tribune Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051016/NEWS01/510160303/1002/NEWS17

***

Upcoming Event: "Montana Constitution: Progressive Spirit Of The Rocky Mountain West" "Indian Education" 10/21, Helena, MT
http://www.matr.net/article-16511.html