APPENDIX B

Aniak

When you think about the quality of education of Alaska Native children who live in villages, what comes to mind?

• Quality is fair, but shouldn't have to sue the Alaska legislature for funding for the basics of education - are all citizens of Alaska.
  
• I think it' s pretty good but still needs some work;kids around in the villages I believe have just as good a chance as a student in Anchorage or Fairbanks because there isn't as much students so more student-teacher relationship.
  
• Native children and teenagers don't know how to talk Native; they learn a little bit if somebody teaches them.
  
• We need education for better jobs.
  
• Well, it's okay; here in Aniak it's good; other places, smaller places, need a little more.
  
• Basic education not advanced enough - evolving curriculum.
  
• No response.

Anchorage

When you think about the quality of education of Alaska Native children who live in the Anchorage area, what comes to mind?

• Choices are available; few people seem aware of the choices; excellent when taken advantage of.
  
• Barely adequate; the normal response is not making the child proud to be Native; the basics are not taught consistently throughout the school district.
  
• Mediocre, just not enough; fall through the cracks.
  
• That depends on the area that they live in and if that child is outgoing or shy; to get the best quality education in Anchorage you have to be outgoing.
  
• EWE, separation, group.

Business

When you think about how well prepared Alaska Native children are for entering the workplace, what comes to mind?

• First in mind is which work place, where and what skills? Alaska Native children are skilled for local but not as for distant.
  
• *Not well prepared; time management, educational preparation, lack of math and science.
  
• *Lack communication skills, enthusiasm;on time, respectful of job requirements.
  
• *High school exit exam; do they have all the necessary basic tools to survive?
  
• *Resources in rural Alaska; Alaska Native children - well prepared for entering workforce; need stronger math, science skills;consistency of curriculum statewide; access/use of latest technology mixed; village opportunities in work versus statewide (national) needs.
  
• Not readily prepared for higher level positions, but prepared for entry level positions.
  
• Unprepared (western philosophy versus village life); experiences of going elsewhere.
  
• Ill-prepared; insufficient training, little preparation.
  
• Rural Alaska Native children are less prepared than urban children for entering the workforce.  

Return to the Issues in Alaska Native Education: Focus Group Research

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