To Live on This Earth; American Indian Education.

A major study of the education of the American Indians, an area where virtually no research on a nationwide basis has been done since the late 1920's, is presented in this book. It draws heavily on information obtained by the National Study of Indian Education (funded by the U.S. Office of Education and completed in 1971). Every facet of American Indian education is examined--students, teachers, parents, community leaders, and educators reveal their views both in terms of what now exists and plans for the future. Education for Indian youth across the nation varies strikingly according to numerous factors such as sources of funding, location, curriculum, faculty, degree of isolation from other communities, and cultural differences. Aspects of these factors indicate how Native Americans live and are educated, and what they think of the process. Topics covered are: a detailed study of 8 Indian schools ranging from isolated to urban areas; a description of where children go to school and what types of schools they attend; an examination of students, teachers, parents, and community leaders; how Indian parents, youth, and community leaders view their schools; a description of some of the innovations in Indian education; Indian people in present day America; mental health; mental ability and mental development; school achievement; boarding schools; and some criticisms of Indian education Recommendations such as an increased Indian voice in education and the establishment of a national Commission on Indian Education are given. (NQ)