The Navajo Nation is taking steps to establish its own education system to take over schools currently operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the states of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Tribal leaders hope to create a new Department of Education by 2017. The goal is to have Navajo students meet Navajo standards -- not the ones imposed by the BIA or the state.

Some educators worry the task may be too difficult to complete and may hinder Navajo students. There are eight public schools on the reservation, in addition to more than 30 BIA schools.

The Navajo Nation Council passed the Sovereignty in Education Act of 2005 in July, paving the way for the changes.

Get the Story:
Navajos Move To Take Control of Classrooms From States (AP 9/5)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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BIA to hold consultation sessions on education (08/26)
More protests as Navajo Nation Council holds session (07/20)