Optimizing Graduation Rates Among Native American Students in North Dakota
graduation day on May 15, 2024, with traditional feather ties placed by family. (Photo Credit: Jodi Rave Spotted Bear).
A Focus on Native American Graduation Rates
November marked Native American Heritage Month in the United States—a time when North Dakota schools are concurrently engaging in efforts to boost graduation rates among Indigenous students. Recent statistics from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) reveal essential insights into these efforts as well as highlight disparities and success stories.
Current Trends and Statistics
As of September 2023, the DPI reported concerning trends for American Indian students within North Dakota’s K-12 educational system. With a total enrollment count of 118,878 pupils, approximately 10% identify as American Indian—making it the largest minority demographic in the state. The overall high school graduation rate stands at about 82%, yet notable gaps linger between races.
While St. John High School garners attention for its exceptional near-perfect graduation statistics nearing 100, other institutions like Buffalo’s Fire have shed light on how significantly American Indian students lag behind their white counterparts—with a graduation rate recorded at just 77%.
Trailblazers: Schools Setting Standards
Among schools excelling is St. John High School located in St. John village—a recognized pioneer with nearly all of its graduates being residents from various Native backgrounds. The school boasts an outstanding dropout rate of merely 2%, ranking it among those with minimal dropout figures alongside New Town Middle School and Turtle Mountain Community Middle School.
Principal Charles Anderson explains that fostering strong connections with students is vital to achieving these promising outcomes:
“Understanding our students is crucial,” Anderson emphasizes how important relationship-building has become at their institution.
Over the last decade, St. John has consistently maintained a remarkable graduation rate between 95–100%. In spring 2024 alone, out of twenty-four graduating seniors—twenty-three belonged to Indigenous ancestry—a testament to their community-centric educational practices.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Indigenous Students
Notably lower than desired rates still persist across some districts where external pressures thwart academic pursuits for many Indigenous youth—highlighting that mere numbers frequently do not narrate full stories surrounding each student’s academic experience or circumstances.
According to Ross Roemmich at DPI, understanding variances within dropout rates necessitates examining underlying factors such as socioeconomic hardships or home responsibilities impacting student retention levels:
“It’s vital to consider unique variables alongside statistical outcomes,” Roemmich asserts regarding this multifaceted battle against attrition rates.
In fact—the average dropout percentage amongst Indigenous learners hovers around an alarming figure of approximately 15%.
Several schools acknowledge struggles users face—for instance South Central Alternative High which caters towards already marginalized groups attempting revival avenues after previously exiting traditional programs altogether:
“It’s imperative we creatively engage them,” remarks Principal Joe Kalvoda reflecting on methods aiming toward reintegration rather than labeling individuals solely based off premature exits from high school systems.
With only about 35%-40 percent identifying ethnically diverse backgrounds reflecting native tribes out of one hundred enrolled thus making personalized attention indispensable; both educators take pride knowing every interaction can pivot meaningful shifts toward positive trajectories irrespective if diploma attainment occurs necessarily through formal pathways they’d likely envisioned early-on throughout life pursuits initially paved earlier onward!
Strategies Beyond Statistics
To counteract existing disparities witnessed clearly persists proactive trends found scattered statewide among numerous initiatives created previously pertaining dedicated policy summits organized under drop-out prevention frameworks projected directly via Indian & Multicultural Education department demonstrating dedication instilling re-engagement strategies since inception proceedings initiated (2017 – present)—often yielding fruitful returns hence entrust efforts evolving swiftly furthermore assisting structures formed around ‘Choice Ready’ concepts equipping future workforce abilities subsequently influencing distinct certificates attained coupled aiding steering programs augments further insight encouraged life-skills pursued predominantly foster contagious career applied environments thus ultimately shaping attitudes positively accordingly! [^source]
DPI leads projects focused intently towards collating feedback through needs assessing surveys annually ensuring equity remains priority especially articulating clarity addressing learning outcomes—but continuously monitoring upcoming objectives planned may integrate allocated decision-focused frameworks increasingly replies trending upward gradually seen evidenced due diligent advancements transpiring acknowledged sentiments expressed so journeys remain equitably fulfilling experiences reflective aspirations expressed genuinely leading communities together effectively promoting successes transpired robust reignited hopes while amplifying voices championed compassionately threaded relationships succeeded visibly becoming interwoven mainstays energizing pathways aligned correctly expansive flourishing futures held firmly extended embrace uniquely curated capabilities anticipated evolve special nuances deserved—all united collectively shared diligently!
[^source]: Choice Ready initiative overseeing preparation stages outlined per favorable contemplations; Insight driven deep analysis undertaken routinely validating progressional conduits laid foundation commenced operations woven intricately ensuring driving momentum forward upheld resolutely staying committed serving prospects proactively exuded confidence reflected positively relativity grounded within educator exchanges communicated confidently candidly collaborating determined excellence prevails!
