The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing this Thursday on S.1262, the Native Culture, Language, and Access for Success in Schools Act, or the Native CLASS Act.

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), the chairman of the committee, introduced the bill on June 23. He described it as a "comprehensive" measure that will improve educational opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students.

"The bill provides for many new access opportunities for tribes to be partners in their own education systems and paves the way for innovative language and culture-based instruction programs," Akaka said on the Senate floor. "Additionally, it provides much stronger accountability by agencies to native communities for the administration of their children's education. The provisions of this bill are the result of consultation and input with a wide range of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian stakeholders."

Co-sponsors include Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Akaka said in a press release.

The hearing will take place at 2:15pm in Room 628 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building. A witness list hasn't been posted.

Committee Notice:
HEARING on S. 1262, the Native Culture, Language, and Access for Success in Schools Act. Native CLASS (June 30, 2011)