SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS APPROVES THE NATIVE CLASS ACT TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION OF NATIVE PEOPLE

- 10/20/11

Washington D.C. -
 Today the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), approved the Native Culture, Language and Access for Success in Schools (Native CLASS) Act.

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.

“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 legislation was introduced by Senator Akaka and is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Johnson (S-North Dakota), Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Tom Udall (D-New Mexico).  The bill will now be reported to the full Senate for consideration. 

Updates are available at indian.senate.gov

Contact: Emily Deimel
Contact Phone: 202-224-2251
Contact E-mail: emily_deimel@indian.senate.gov

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