Better Indian Education Is State Aim Batt Issues Directive To Work With Tribes, Help Children

The state feels it important to establish a “positive working relationship” with Idaho Indian tribes to make sure Indian children receive the best education possible.

At Friday’s Indian Summit meeting at the Statehouse, Lt. Gov. Butch Otter presented the state Department of Education with an executive order from Gov. Phil Batt creating the Idaho Committee on Indian Education.

The order directs Schools Superintendent Anne Fox to name a panel to advise her department on Indian education matters.

It will have seven goals:

Help prepare Indian children for education by providing early childhood education programs that are culturally, linguistically and developmentally appropriate.

Establish a school environment that respects, maintains and promotes American Indian values, languages and traditions.

Increase recruitment, retention and graduation rates of Indian students in state colleges and universities.

Encourage Indian parents and tribal leaders to participate in the education of Indian students.

Assist in raising the self-esteem and cultural pride of Indian students.

Develop comprehensive guidance and counseling programs.

Expand adult basic education programs to benefit Indians.

Deputy Schools Superintendent Tom Farley called it a “milestone” agreement recognizing that the educational system must meet needs of all children.

Otter, who presided over the meeting because Batt was in California on Friday for the funeral of his sister, heads a committee that has been touring Indian reservations as part of a study on gambling.

He said he’s been impressed with the resources that Indians are putting into education through gaming profits. One tribe has promised its children that all who wish to attend college will have their tuition paid, he said.