Interior releases strategic direction for Bureau of Indian Education

The Department of the Interior released a new strategic direction for the Bureau of Indian Education on Jan. 20, outlining a performance-driven plan to improve student outcomes, strengthen Native language and culture and enhance operations across Bureau-funded schools, according to an Interior press release. The plan emphasizes flexible, community-driven approaches and sets performance indicators through 2030. Interior officials said high school graduation rates at Bureau-funded schools increased from 51% in 2015 to 79% in 2025.

The strategic direction establishes goals across student success, cultural identity and wellness. Targets include raising graduation rates to 87%, improving annual academic growth in English and math by 5% and expanding college, career and military transition planning. It also calls for increased access to Native language instruction, stronger early childhood partnerships and reduced chronic absenteeism. Progress will be tracked through Bureau data systems, with schools reporting data to support accountability and transparency, according to the release.