Indian students in North Dakota don't perform as well on standardized tests as their counterparts, according to recent studies.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that Indian students in the state score below average on math and reading tests. The North Dakota State Assessment shows that fewer Indian students are proficient in math and reading.

But not all educators think that tests are an adequate measure of progress. Bobby Ann Starnes, the president of Full Circle Material and Curriculum in Montaha, and Mary Rousseau, the director of higher education for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, say the tests are biased.

Ryan Wilson, the president of the National Indian Education Association, said tribes agree with the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act. But he questions its implementation at schools with large Indian populations.

Get the Story:
Indian students' scores still low (The Bismarck Tribune 6/8)

National Indian Education Study:
Overview | Executive Summary | Full Report

Relevant Links:
National Center for Education Statistics - http://nces.ed.gov
Nation's Report Card - http://www.nationsreportcard.gov

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