Secretary of Education Visits to Explore Culture Based Education
In South Dakota, Native American students face daunting challenges in academic achievement, with chronic absenteeism rates soaring from 31% to 54% in recent years. Proficiency disparities are stark: only 14% of Native students are proficient in math, compared to 49% of white students. Similarly, in English-language arts and science, proficiency rates among Native students stand at 23% and 16%, respectively, compared to 59% and 48% proficiency rates among their white counterparts.
These disparities are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern where graduation rates, attendance, and college/career readiness for Native students consistently lag behind those of their white peers.
Sarah White, a board member of Maȟpíya Lúta, has orchestrated a pivotal visit from Dr. Joseph Graves, the Secretary of Education in South Dakota. The visit was aimed at exploring Lakota Language education, an area where significant strides can be made to enhance the educational experiences of Native American students.
Dr. Graves’ visit underscores the growing recognition of the importance of indigenous languages in educational settings. Impressed by the initiatives undertaken by Maȟpíya Lúta, Dr. Graves has emphasized the need for further consultation to develop comprehensive strategies for integrating Lakota Language education into the state.
“Integrating our languages and cultures into the curriculum is not just about academic achievement; it’s about fostering pride, belonging, and cultural continuity among Native students,” White affirms. “By centering Native perspectives and knowledge systems, we create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.”
As South Dakota grapples with entrenched educational disparities, advocacy serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring collective action and meaningful change in pursuit of educational equity and cultural revitalization for Native American students. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast commitment to inclusive education, South Dakota has the opportunity to create a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their cultural background.