Reporters' Notebook: Native Americans Struggle, Build Pride

For the second installment in the Education World series Lessons from Our Nation's Schools, editors Diane Weaver Dunne and Ellen R. Delisio traveled to rural Maine to visit two Native American reservation schools. They learned about Native American culture, learning styles, and the people who teach and learn at these schools. Included: Descriptions of how the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government evolved from enmity to separation.

Last spring, Education World editors Diane Weaver Dunne and Ellen R. Delisio visited two Native American reservation schools in northern Maine: Indian Island School on the Penobscot reservation north of Bangor and Beatrice Rafferty School on the Passamaquoddy reservation in Perry. Learn more about their visit in our five-part series. The five articles are detailed below. Click on any headline for a complete report.
Teachers on Mission to Save Heritage

Native American students have responded eagerly to the introduction of native studies to the curriculums at Indian Island and Beatrice Rafferty schools. Tribal leaders are hopeful that the resurgence of native studies will help this generation recapture its now struggling culture.
Reservation Schools Preserve Cultures, Boost Academics
Infused with state and federal money but facing more requirements and students with challenges, staff at two Native American schools talked with Education World about meeting their two missions: passing on Native American culture and boosting academics.
Native American Schools Ponder, Assail Dropout Rates
With the high school dropout rate for Native Americans among the highest in the country, reservation and school officials are searching for new ways to keep teens in school. News editor Ellen Delisio explores programs designed to reduce the dropout rate of Native Americans.
Principal Primes Kids to Succeed
A Texas transplant, principal Donald W. Salm told Education World he is impressed with the caring staff and community members of Beatrice Rafferty School. Salm talks with Education World editor Ellen R. Delisio about life on the reservation and his goals for the school's students.
Indian Island Principal Reflects On Native Schools' Goals, Challenges
Education World news editor Diane Weaver Dunne talks with Linda McLeod, principal of Indian Island School. McLeod reflects on the challenges reservation educators must overcome, and how those challenges are often similar to those at other rural public schools.