Indian students are more than three times more likely to drop out of school than white students, the Office of Public Instruction said.

Across the state, 8.4 percent of Indian students fail to complete high school. In comparison, only 2.7 percent of white students dropped out.

Other statistics show Indian students fall behind their peers in reading levels and achievement tests. For those on reservations, the gap widens even more, according to the state.

OPI officials met with the Billings Public Schools Indian Parent Advisory Committee and school administrators to discuss the issue.

Get the Story:
Indian dropout rate studied (The Billings Gazette 1/10)

Relevant Links:
Big Horn Teacher Projects - http://www.msubillings.edu/bighornteacherproj
Montana Indian Education Association - http://www.mtiea.org
Montana Office of Public Instruction - http://www.opi.state.mt.us

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