Indian Education Program spotlights low graduation rates and calls for sustained resources

The Indian Education Program and its Parent Advisory Committee presented a comprehensive report and resolution to the San Francisco Board of Education on Jan. 11 calling for curriculum changes, increased staffing and dedicated resources to raise graduation rates for American Indian and Alaska Native students.

Presenters gave historical context, highlighted program successes (internships, cultural events and a student‑led Native American Heritage Summit at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts) and summarized action items in the resolution. The presenters said the group represents roughly 755 native students in the district and outlined curriculum priorities including a California Native American culture unit for fourth graders and a land‑based k–8 curriculum.

Why it matters: Presenters and callers described deeply disproportionate outcomes — including the districtand county data used in the presentation — and urged the board to translate the resolutionwhich lists 19 itemsinto a funded implementation plan with annual reporting. Community leaders said the lowest graduation rate for American Indian/Alaska Native students demands sustained investment, not once‑a‑year presentations.

Staff response and follow up: Curriculum and instruction staff said they are working with the PAC on review processes for materials (ELA and history/social studies teams are combing through recommended texts) and that a formal status update on all 19 resolution items will be scheduled for a future meeting. Staff also described the districts efforts to identify students through 506 forms and expand academic supports and summer programming.

Next steps: Board members asked staff to return with a report on the progress of the 19 resolution items and a clear fiscal and implementation timeline; commissioners emphasized the need for transparent, regular accountability reporting and funding pathways.