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CHAIRMAN AKAKA INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE NATIVE EDUCATION

- 06/23/11

Washington D.C. -
 Today U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced a bill to improve the education of Native people, the Native Culture, Language and Access for Success in Schools (Native CLASS) Act.DSC_23251
                                                                                                            
“In many regions of our country, Native students suffer from the lowest graduation rates and poorest academic performance,” said Chairman Akaka. “This comprehensive bill outlines a new vision of education built on Native priorities.  As a former teacher, principal and administrator, I know the power that integrating culture and increasing access to opportunities can have in improving outcomes for our Native students.  To build a successful future for our Native communities, we must start with success in our schools.”
                                                                                                  
The Native CLASS Act (S. 1262) contains a comprehensive set of provisions that address language and culture-based education, local control and parental involvement, and teacher training and development.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Johnson (D-North Dakota) and Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii).

The full bill text is available here: LINK

Chairman Akaka's statement in the Congressional Record is available here: LINK

 



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Contact: Jesse Broder Van Dyke
Contact Phone: 202-224-7045
Contact E-mail: jesse_brodervandyke@akaka.senate.gov

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