Tribal leaders and educators say Native American students in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area should benefit from language and cultural programs.

The Painted Sky Elementary School in Albuquerque recently started a Navajo language class. Teacher Shirley Gee and principal Pat Woodard said the class has contributed to an increase in reading scores among Native students.

With nearly 6,000 Native students in the city, the Albuquerque Public School district is hoping to expand the effort, although funds and staff are limited. But this fall, the Native American Community Academy, a charter school, will open to focus on Native language and culture.

In nearby Laguna Pueblo, the tribe signed an agreement with the state on Friday to allow the tribe to select its language teachers at the public schools on the reservation. Acoma Pueblo signed a similar agreement last year.

Get the Story:
APS Sees Cultural, Language Programs as Way to Help Indian Students (The Albuquerque Journal 4/9)
Officials make strides in effort to preserve Keres language (The Gallup Independent 4/8)

Indian Education Act Audit:
Public Education Department Quick Response Review of Implementation of Indian Education Act (March 28, 2004)

Relevant Links:
New Mexico Public Education Department - http://www.ped.state.nm.us

Related Stories:
Audit questions New Mexico Indian education act (3/31)
New Mexico holds Indian education summit (12/20)