A Goal of Changing Current Norms

Although data on Native people is often difficult to ascertain because of small populations, the Center for Native Education has identified eight goals for its national initiatives. These goals are based on important starting points. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Western Interstate Consortium for Higher Education, researchers Dr. Dean Chavers and Dr. Michael Pavel and others, current norms for Native students and resultant CNE goals are described here.

CNE Goal #1: Increase Native student attendance to 91%

Currently, Native students have the highest absenteeism rate of all groups at 65% (NCES, 2005). ECNY and New Path schools reverse this trend by making the curriculum more relevant, changing the calendar year to support cultural events and strengthening school-community relationships.

CNE Goal #2: Decrease dropout rates to 10% or less 

Native students currently have high dropout rates that vary from15% (NCES, 2005) to 80% (Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 2003). CNE addresses this issue by strengthening teacher/ student relationships, adding student advising and integrating cultural content in the curriculum. 

CNE GOAL #3: 100% of Early College and New Path students take core curriculum

Nationally, only 31% of Native students take a college preparatory, core curriculum during the high school years (Pavel, 1999). In the western US, only 10% of Native students take college prep math courses, while 30% take no math (WICHE, 2004). All students at ECNY and New Path sites must take college preparatory core curriculum classes.

CNE Goal #4: Improve state and pre-college test scores to proficient or better

Only 2% of Native students have combined SAT scores of 1,100 or better (Pavel, 1999. On ACT, students score 3 points below college level in English and Math (NCES, 2005). Many are not offered such tests in the first place and do not score at the 50% level on state tests. CNE is changing such norms by creating new beliefs about the value of higher education among tribal, urban Indian communities, college and high school personnel.

CNE Goal #5: 100% earn postsecondary credit during the high school years

Currently, Native student participation in dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate classes is the lowest of any group (WICHE, 2004). Additionally, 77% of Native adults do not have any college credits. CNE is creating new grade 9-14 integrated programs to promote increased high school and college achievement.

CNE Goal #6: 90% or more earn high school diplomas

On tribal lands, 33% of the population does not have diplomas, compared with 27% of the non-Native population (U.S. Census Report, 2006). A common vision and aligned efforts among tribes, high schools and colleges communicate to students that high school is an essential milestone.

CNE Goal #7: Establish a national network of 10+ rigorous, culturally relevant exemplary high schools in Indian country

Few excellent high schools exist in Indian country today. Instead, school programs -- not entire schools -- are identified as exemplary by Chavers (1999). CNE expects that after five  to seven years’ time, many sites will serve as role models for other schools.

CNE Goal #8: Increase BA degree attainment to 45% or more of EC and New Path students

Only 10% of Native people today earn B.A. degrees, the lowest attainment of any group (NCES, 2005). Early college and New Path sites bring college courses to students in their local communities and provide the supports needed for success.