Students at Bureau of Indian Education schools aren't showing improvements on standardized tests, according to the National Indian Education Study.

Fourth-grade students at BIE schools scored an average of 20 points lower on math tests than their counterparts at other public schools. A similar gap was seen on reading tests.

The study also showed no significant gains in mathematics tests among fourth and eighth graders since 2005. Reading scores showed a slight increase since 2007 for eighth graders but no significant improvement for fourth graders since 2005.

“I am extremely disappointed that this NAEP report shows little to no improvement in reading and math achievement among American Indian and Alaska Native students. These results are unacceptable and further underscore the vital need to improve education in these communities," said Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan), the co-chairman of the Congressional Native American Caucus. "Thankfully, Congress has an important opportunity to address this issue with the upcoming reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)."

The study also surveyed Indian students at BIE schools to find out about their education goals, home life, cultural influences and other issues.

Get the Story:
Math, reading gap among Native American students (AP 6/30)
NAEP Scores Stagnating for Native American Pupils (Education Week 6/30)
Study: Few academic gains for American Indian students (Minnesota Public Radio 6/30)