Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities
Dec 8, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 2, 2011
Published on: Dec 8, 2011
Dec 8, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 2, 2011
Published on: Dec 8, 2011
Summary
Starts a program to help American Indian and Alaska Native students get a better education and to support their special colleges and universities.
What problem does this solve?
American Indian and Alaska Native students have high dropout rates and a large achievement gap compared to other students, and many Native languages are at risk of disappearing. This order creates a White House Initiative to coordinate federal efforts to improve educational outcomes and preserve Native cultures.
What does this order do?
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White house initiative on american indian and alaska native education
Establishes the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education
Creates a new federal initiative co-chaired by the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Interior to expand educational opportunities for AI/AN students.
Requires a partnership between the Department of Education and Department of the Interior
Directs the two departments to create a Memorandum of Understanding to combine their expertise and resources to improve AI/AN education.
Creates an Interagency Working Group
Forms a working group with officials from various federal agencies to coordinate efforts to improve AI/AN education and support Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Mandates 4-year agency plans
Requires each agency in the working group to develop a 4-year plan with measurable goals to track their success in improving AI/AN education.
Strengthens Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
Commits to improving educational opportunities for students at TCUs, recognizing their role in preserving Native languages and culture.
Promotes preservation of Native languages and cultures
Supports activities that help AI/AN students learn their Native languages, cultures, and histories as part of a complete education.
Who does this affect?
- American Indian and Alaska Native students
- Tribal Colleges and Universities
- Federal agencies involved in Native education
What is the real world impact?
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Fulfills the federal government's trust responsibility
Addresses the long-standing commitment of the U.S. government to protect the rights and well-being of Native tribes by focusing on improving their educational systems and opportunities.
When does this start?
This order became effective on December 2, 2011, and includes specific deadlines for federal agencies.
Memorandum of Understanding Deadline
The Departments of Education and the Interior must complete a formal agreement on how they will work together within 120 days of December 2, 2011.