In what's being hailed as a significant turnaround, Native American students throughout Arizona are marking substantial improvements in academic proficiency. State schools chief Tom Horne recognized the achievement, emphasizing that concerted efforts in school improvement strategies have paid off, particularly in reading and math scores. A recent report highlights that some schools in the Chinle district have even surpassed state averages.
Horne, since stepping into his role in 2023, pledged to sharply increase focus on educational outcomes for Native American students, who, at the time, had an average proficiency rate of a mere five percent. "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," Horne said, as reported by the state's educational department. Joint efforts with tribal leaders have ultimately led to these impressive academic strides.
Three schools within the Chinle Unified District are now trending above the state average, with significant progress evident since 2023. From a proficiency of just over 20 percent to reaching rates as high as 45 percent at Many Farms school, the district-wide performance presents a compelling success story. According to the same state announcement, other districts like Ganado Unified School District saw a 159 percent increase, while Kayenta Unified School District jumped 122 percent, demonstrating a broad leap in educational progress across the board.
Efforts to deeply transform the educational landscape for Native American students involved collaborative work between the Offices of Indian Education and School Improvement. This strategic move has clearly begun to yield results. "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," Horne expressed. These initiatives underscore a growing commitment to elevate the educational standards and opportunities for Native American communities.
Chinle Superintendent Quincy Natay voiced his pride in the district's accomplishments, crediting the synergy of governance, educators, parents, and students. "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," Natay told educational officials. The district remains committed, he says, to building upon this momentum to secure the promise of an improved quality of life for their students.
