Rose Roehl is the Yup'ik language and cultural liaison for a public elementary school in Anchorage, Alaska, but she says she is worried about her job's future.

Roehl reaches out to Alaska Native families who move to the city from rural villages. She addresses their cultural issues and helps them work with school officials and teachers.

But after two years on the job, Roehl has a hard time getting families to participate. She's organized a slew of activities in hopes of getting parents more involved in their children's education.

"I just want to bonk them on the head," Roehl tells The Anchorage Daily News. "Parents need to speak up. They are the best advocates for their children."

About 4,200 Native students attend public schools in Anchorage.

Get the Story:
Native families get liaison with Anchorage schools (The Anchorage Daily News 5/12)

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Anchorage paper series on Alaska Native education (4/10)