Unprecedented Native American academic gains celebrated by Horne

Some schools score higher than state average

PHOENIX – Native American students statewide are seeing remarkable improvement in Reading and Math proficiency with the implementation of school improvement strategies, according to state schools chief Tom Horne. In the Chinle district, some schools are scoring higher than the state average.

Horne said, “When I took office in January 2023, I was informed that the average proficiency rate for Native American students was five percent. This was very upsetting to me, as it would affect the students’ employment prospects and quality of life.  I said that we would change everything we were doing in that respect and give total focus to increasing proficiency rates among Native American students. I met with tribal leaders who were shocked to learn about the five percent number and agreed with me that action had to be taken.”

He added, “The Offices of Indian Education and School Improvement have worked together to help improve outcomes for students – providing training, visiting schools, supporting teachers, principals, and superintendents, and working tirelessly to help schools and students succeed. With outstanding leadership from leaders of Native American districts, and our help, the proficiency rates of Native American students have soared.”

The Chinle Unified District shows the greatest gains as three of the district’s schools scored above the state average in both Math and English. Scores increased from just over 20 percent proficiency in 2023 to 34 percent districtwide. The district’s Many Farms school reached an incredible 45 percent rate. Growth in Math proficiency was similar.

Other districts have experienced double the number of students testing proficient in Math and English. The Ganado Unified School District saw a 159 percent increase. Growth at Red Mesa Unified District was 149 percent.  Baboquivari Unified went up 197 percent, and Kayenta Unified School District went up 122 percent. The Sacaton Elementary District jumped 124 percent, and Tuba City Unified School District increased 113 percent.

Chinle Superintendent Quincy Natay said, “We are extremely proud of the progress our students and teachers have made. These gains are a direct result of our governing board’s support of our vision and strategic plan, dedication of our educators, the support of our parents and communities, and the hard work of our students. We remain committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that all our students, across every grade level, have the opportunities and education to improve their quality of life.”