American Indian Education Center Program 2016 - Legislative Report
Report to the Governor and the Legislature for the American Indian Education Center Program.California Department of Education
The American Indian Education Center Program:
Report to the Governor and the Legislature
Executive Summary
This report is required by California Education Code (EC) Section 33384. The American Indian Education Center (AIEC) Program is scheduled to "sunset" on January 1, 2017. As part of the sunset process, Chapter 249 requires the State Department of Education to review the AIEC Program and submit its findings to the Legislature. This report contains our findings and recommendations regarding the AIEC Program pursuant to the "sunset" review procedures. The AIEC Program was established to strengthen the delivery of instructional services to American Indian students within the public schools through the use of educational resource centers. The AIEC Program was established in 1974 by Senate Bill 2264. EC Sections 33380–33385 were established pursuant to Chapter 1010, Statutes of 1976, and later amended by Chapter 1040, Statutes of 1998; Chapter 11, Statutes of 2001; Chapter 880, Statutes of 2006; Chapter 170, Statutes of 2007; Chapter 179, Statutes of 2008; and Chapter 249, Statutes of 2010. The AIECs serve as educational resource centers for American Indian students, their families, and the public schools. The primary focus of the AIECs is on providing direct services to improve achievement in reading/language arts and mathematics. A secondary, but equally important, purpose is to build student self-concept through cultural activities. A desired outcome of these activities is to create a skilled, educated workforce in the American Indian community and in California. Since their implementation, the AIECs have touched the lives of over 10,000 American Indian families. In 2013–14, 4.03 percent of American Indian students received services from the 24 AIECs.
Reports indicate that the AIECs are providing the services enumerated in EC Section 33381. Key findings include:
- All AIECs reported that they provided academic services with particular emphasis on reading and mathematics. Over 92 percent of the AIECs reported they provided summer recreational and academic experiences to participants.
- All AIECs reported that they provided programs that are designed to improve the self-concept of participants.
- Over 90 percent of the AIECs reported they provided programs designed to increase the employment of American Indian adults.
- All of the AIECs reported that they provided services to American Indian students who are struggling in school.
If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Judy Delgado, American Indian Education Consultant in the Integrated Student Support and Programs Office, by phone at 916-319-0506 or by email at JuDelgado@cde.ca.gov.
You can find this report on the California Department of Education American Indian web page. If you need a copy of this report, please contact Ms. Delgado.