RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FIRST ALASKANS FOUNDATION

All informants were asked for their suggestions on how the First Alaskans Foundation can improve the educational performance of Alaska Natives.

Most informants recommended that First Alaskans Foundation focus on policy as its foundation and help communities to have a clear vision of what education can do for its people. The organization should act as an advocate for education at a high level, and work to unite efforts of the many organizations dealing with Native issues involving education. In essence, the Foundation should become the "drum beater" for education from a statewide perspective.

One informant felt First Alaskans Foundation can be part of a paradigm shift "which started with the Alaska Native Commission - that is putting education into a Native context. This turns a lot of things on its head." Another informant commented, "The most effective role would be to make sure people are ready to address the broad spectrum of education with a Native voice."

One person suggested the Foundation "rally the for-profit Native corporations in addressing education for its own people" and "having them put their money where their mouth is." Another informant stated, "if FAF could send just one message to the Regional Corporation CEOs, it should be education is a priority." She added, "Get all the CEOs in one room and convince them. Tell them why education is important, how they can benefit, and get their commitment to support efforts using their resources."

An administrator felt an "action plan" for the Foundation should include: a partnership with the Center for School Excellence, a plan to divvy up responsibilities and accountability with other Alaska organizations, and a major role in the school improvement process.

A couple of informants believed First Alaskans Foundation should fund and support school board training for Alaska Natives. This lack of training and experience has led to some ineffective Alaska Native school boards that are not well prepared to tackle curriculum standards, make good hiring decisions, and advocate for community and parental involvement.

Other suggestions included supporting appropriate preparation of new teachers when they start out in rural Alaska, establish a mentoring program for teachers, and getting Native people teaching at all levels.

A national administrator suggested First Alaskans Foundation may want to structure itself as a community foundation. These are foundations that focus on community development (Alaska would be the Foundation ' s community) in a variety of areas and provide a forum to bring together government and business leaders. The informant cited an example of the St. Paul Foundation. St. Paul Foundation has the Two Feathers Fund for Native education and raises money from Natives, as well as other sources. Large foundations, such as The Ford Foundation, gives grants to community foundations to assist them as they start out.

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