"MICHEL MARTIN, host:

I'm Michel Martin and this TELL ME MORE from NPR News.

Coming up, I'll share my thoughts about what we too often keep to ourselves.

But first, we continue with our September Education series. We're having a series of conversations on what's outstanding, what needs improvement and what remains incomplete in the quest to strengthen the nation's schools, and give all children the best education possible.

Today, we're going to tell you about a program to improve the educational experience for Native American students. According to published figures, Native American students have the lowest high school graduation rate of all ethnic groups in this country. And while there might be many reasons for that, one, say many students, is that there are actually very few Native American teachers to look up to as role models.

Sapsik'wala' Teacher Training Project from the University of Oregon is one effort to change that. Project Director Alison Ball joins us from the University of Oregon.

We also have with us project graduate Frank Summers, who joins us from Chiloquin High School where he now teaches. "

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Project Aims To Groom More Native American Teachers (NPR 9/27)