Brenda Beyal, an elementary school teacher in Utah, received the No Child Left Behind 2006 American Star of Teaching award on Monday.

The award is given to just one teacher in the state. Beyal, a member of the Navajo Nation, was chosen for improving achievement levels of Indian students. Graduation rates have jumped from 37 percent in 1998 to 94 percent in 2004.

Teachers like Beyal never give up on a child," said Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

Beyal teaches third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Rees Elementary. She serves as director of Nebo School District's Artist in Residency program and teaches summer school for the district's Title VII Indian Education Program.

Get the Story:
Spanish Fork teacher gets national kudos (The Salt Lake Tribune 8/29)

National Indian Education Study:
Overview | Executive Summary | Full Report

Relevant Links:
National Center for Education Statistics - http://nces.ed.gov
Nation's Report Card - http://www.nationsreportcard.gov

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