Research


Administrative History

In 1972, the U. S. Congress passed the Indian Education Act, also known as Title IV of the Education Amendments of 1972, responding in part to a 1969 Senate subcommittee report on the substandard schooling of American Indian and Alaska Native students. The act established an Office of Indian Education within the United States Department of Education, and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. Of particular interest to states was a collection of grant programs (parts A, B, and C of the Act) to state education agencies. Part A provided financial assistance to local education agencies for special programs serving Indian students enrolled in public school districts, as opposed to reservation schools. Part B provided funds for demonstration projects and pilot projects for Native American students in areas like special education, health and nutrition programs, and guidance. Part C provided funds for demonstration projects focused on the educational needs of adult Native Americans. The act required funded projects to be developed in cooperation with the American Indian population, including tribal leaders, parents, and students.

In January of 1974, the Native American Education Unit was created to consolidate programs and functions involving the education of Native Americans in New York State from numerous NYSED divisions and offices. Among other activities, the unit provides guidance to local school districts receiving federal Title IV and Johnson-O'Malley Act funds, allocates state aid programs to local school districts educating Native Americans residing on reservations, and administers the New York State Indian Aid program which provides financial aid for Native American students attending postsecondary schools.