Innovation, data fixes fuel Native American graduation gains at federally funded schools

Gerald Dillon, a recent graduate of Chief Leschi Schools on the Puyallup Reservation, found renewed purpose in his education through career training. The 18-year-old, who previously struggled with academic boredom, discovered motivation by connecting with and assisting second-grade students as a teaching assistant.

His improved grades and graduation in June are emblematic of a broader trend within the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). The BIE oversees 183 schools serving over 40,000 students. In 2015, only about half of BIE high schoolers graduated within four years. By 2025, this figure reached a record 79%.

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It motivates me. I like making connections with the kids, I like helping them.

Administrators attribute this surge to local innovations, including a focus on technical training and career readiness. Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland also highlighted the Trump administration's commitment to Native American students and teacher training efforts. Furthermore, changes to how graduation rates are reported across BIE schools have addressed flawed data collection that previously suppressed numbers.

Carmelia Becenti, the BIE's chief academic officer, explained that the agency standardized data collection methods starting in 2018. This has provided a more accurate and encouraging picture, with an AP analysis showing a 55% increase in graduation rates since the new standards began rolling out. Despite this progress, concerns linger that potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and budget cuts could undermine these gains.

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We had to come to a consensus and set an accountability framework for our schools.