Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, has announced significant improvements in academic proficiency among Native American students in the state since he took office in January 2023.
“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,” Horne stated.
Horne credited the Offices of Indian Education and School Improvement for their collaborative efforts. “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,” he said.
The Chinle Unified District reported notable progress: three schools scored above the state average in both Math and English. Proficiency scores rose from just over 20 percent in 2023 to 34 percent across the district; Many Farms school achieved a 45 percent rate. Math proficiency gains matched those seen in English.
Other districts also reported substantial growth. The Ganado Unified School District saw a 159 percent increase in student proficiency levels; Red Mesa Unified experienced a rise of 149 percent; Baboquivari Unified went up by 197 percent; Kayenta Unified recorded a 122 percent gain; Sacaton Elementary increased by 124 percent; Tuba City Unified improved by 113 percent.
