A report prepared for the Montana Legislature's Quality Schools Interim Committee makes recommendations to improve the education of Indian students in the state.

Joyce Silverthorne, director of education for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, presented the report. She said public schools need to do more to hire and retain experienced teachers on reservations and to recruit Indian teachers.

The report also recommended professional development courses for teachers to focus on issues affecting Indian Country, such as poverty, mental health and language. The report calls for a smaller student-teacher ratio in schools with high Indian populations and higher expectations for Indian students.

Get the Story:
Educator: Teachers key to Indian achievement (The Great Falls Tribune 8/31)

Relevant Links:
Montana's No Child Left Behind Report Card - http://www.opi.mt.gov/ReportCard

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