In the state of New Mexico, the educational policies that impact Native American children are of paramount importance in shaping their academic experiences and overall outcomes. There are gaps and inadequacies that must be addressed to enhance the educational environment for Native American children. These gaps may include issues related to funding, access to resources, support services, and culturally relevant curricula tailored to the unique needs of Native American students. According to the New Mexico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (2024), “To develop a culturally relevant curriculum, it is necessary for the PED’s Indian Education Department to consult and collaborate with tribal governments and tribal communities in the development of these materials (New Mexico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2024). Addressing these gaps, especially culturally relevant curriculum, is essential to creating a more equitable and inclusive educational system that supports the academic success and well-being of Native American children in New Mexico.
In New Mexico, Native American children lack access to educational resources and curricula that are reflective of their cultural heritage. As a result, educational policies have overlooked the history and traditions of Native American communities, creating a gap between these children’s identities and their academic experiences. This disconnect has significant implications for the learning and development of Native American children in the state. According to Rudiger, Ph.D. (2020), “The 2018 court ruling in Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico found that “the education system in New Mexico violates the New Mexico Constitution art. XII, § 1” (Decision and Order, 7/20/18, p. 59) and that the state has “not studied or developed effective educational systems for Native American students” (Court’s Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, 12/20/18, ¶3067), despite the directives of New Mexico’s Indian Education Act (22-23A-1 NMSA 1978)” (Rudiger, Ph. D, 2020). In light of this, it is essential to incorporate culturally sensitive teaching methodologies and the integration of Native American viewpoints into the educational curriculum.
Furthermore, the unequal distribution of funding and resources significantly hinders the educational opportunities available to Native American children in New Mexico. This disparity presents substantial obstacles for schools and districts that serve Native American students, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to educational materials and technology, and a lack of extracurricular opportunities. To address these challenges, developing and implementing educational policies that prioritize the fair and equitable distribution of resources is imperative. This approach is essential to ensure that Native American children access the same high-quality educational resources as their peers, regardless of their background or geographic location. Achieving this goal will necessitate a comprehensive strategy encompassing fair resource allocation, infrastructure enhancement, and promoting extracurricular activities across various districts and schools. Doing so ensures that all students have an equal opportunity to receive a quality education, improve funding for Native American children, and overcome the obstacles present within the education system in New Mexico. Rudiger, Ph.D. (2020) states that school districts with large populations of Native children on federal lands receive federal subsidies known as “Impact Aid” to compensate for the loss of local property taxes. However, the State of New Mexico takes 75% of these funds and redistributes it to other school districts, using federal funds generated by Native students to support the education of non-Native students.
Next, it is imperative to engage in meaningful consultations with tribal leaders, parents, students, and educators to ensure that educational policies and resources are attuned to the unique needs and aspirations of Native American children. Facilitating avenues for community participation is vital for fostering engagement and formulating effective education policies. Providing opportunities for Native American students and parents to address educational issues is essential in mitigating high dropout rates among Native American children. Implementing policy interventions that offer support and strategies to enhance retention rates and academic achievement is crucial. This may involve implementing culturally affirming mentorship programs, academic counseling, and other educational services.
Lastly, to advance the educational prospects for Native American children in New Mexico, it is crucial to adopt an approach that targets the underlying systemic issues in education policies. This multifaceted approach should encompass advocating for culturally relevant education, ensuring appropriate resource allocation, actively engaging with the community, and implementing supportive initiatives. By addressing these critical areas, it establishes a more inclusive, empowering, and supportive educational environment for Native American children in New Mexico.
References:
New Mexico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2024). Educational Adequacy & Disparities for Native American Students in New Mexico. educational-adequacy-for-native-american-students.pdf (usccr.gov)
Ph.D., Rudiger, A. (2020). Pathways to Education Sovereignty: Taking a Stand for Native Children. Tribal Education Alliance. tea-full-report_12-14-20.pdf (unm.edu)
