Education
In Alaska, taught in Yupik but tested in English


Public schools in Alaska where third-grade children are taught almost exclusively in Native languages may be forced to test students in English under the No Child Left Behind Act.

The law requires students to be tested annually from grades three to eight and again in high school. But students who are part of the Heritage Language program don't receive English instruction until the fourth grade.

State Education Commissioner Roger Sampson is seeking permission to delay testing until the sixth grade. State officials are considering asking the Department of Education for a waiver from the law.

Get the Story:
No Child Left Behind may imperil Yupik instruction (AP 1/26)

Relevant Links:
Office of Indian Education Programs, BIA - http://www.oiep.bia.edu
Indian School Report Cards, BIA - http://www.oiep.bia.edu/school_report_cards.htm
National Indian Education Association - http://www.niea.org

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