Minnesota schools fall short on Native language, culture requirements
A report finds districts lack more than 150 teachers to meet requirements, citing recruitment and funding hurdles and limited instructional support
Minnesota school districts required to offer American Indian language and culture classes are not meeting state requirements, according to MPR News. State law requires districts with at least 5% American Indian enrollment or 100 or more Native students to provide the classes, but a recent report found districts would need more than 150 additional language teachers to reach compliance.
The report identified a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:257 and found only 98 American Indian language educators among about 200,000 licensed teachers statewide, according to MPR News. Gimiwan Dustin Burnette, president and executive director of the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network, said many instructors work part time and lack support, with 78% responsible for developing their own curriculum. Districts cited recruitment challenges and funding limitations as key barriers, according to MPR News.
- 1.Melissa Olson. MPR News, .
Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government for everyone who cares about transparency in Native issues. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.
Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact. Cancel anytime.