RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY

The McDowell Group study team has examined numerous articles, books, and Internet sites on Alaska Native and American Indian education. Several comprehensive journal articles cited in our report are especially valuable, including Lomawaima (1995), and Deyhle and Swisher (1997). These authors offer a thorough review and analysis of many historical studies of Native education. These sources can be found in the bibliography that accompanies this report.

While much of the literature on American Indian/Alaska Native education is comprehensive, it is also dated. It is apparent to the McDowell Group that current research is needed, at both the national and local level, especially in the following areas:

• Research on the effectiveness of Alaska Native organizations (e.g. , tribal councils, Native corporations, nonprofits) in improving education. What is the best role for Native organizations in education?What more can these organizations do to improve education for their members?
  
• A study of teacher turnover in Alaska:the frequency of teacher turnover, the districts with the highest rates of turnover, and the impact it has on the education of students in those districts.
  
• Current research of the educational needs of Alaska Natives living in urban areas. Much of the literature addresses rural Alaska villages and reservations in the Lower 48, where the majority population is Alaska Native and American Indian. However, many Alaska Natives and American Indians are migrating to the city.
  
• The relationship between language, culture, and learning.
  
• Special education placement. Statistics indicate that Alaska Natives are disproportionately placed in special education programs. More research may be needed on special education placement, as well as parent advocacy for their children. Resources are limited for educating parents on advocating for their children.
  
• The effectiveness and appropriateness of technology-based programs in Native education.
  
• Longitudinal studies, from Head Start to college. Little research is available that tracks students over time.
  
• More studies on the effectiveness of pre-school programs in Native education, such as Head Start.
  
• A nationwide comprehensive study of Alaska Native and American Indian education. Fuchs and Havighurst completed the last national comprehensive research in 1970. A comprehensive study is also a recommendation of the American Indian and Alaska Native Education Executive Order study team.

Return to the Alaska Native and American Indian Education: A Review of the Literature

Return to the McDowell Final Report

Return to Alaska Native Knowledge Network