Native American and Alaska Native English learners are incredibly diverse; they possess varied demographic, linguistic and academic backgrounds which are not always evident when students are characterized as a group. It is critical to increase our awareness of the diversity that exists among Native American and Alaska Native English learners and to identify and highlight the cultural, and linguistic assets that students bring to their school and their community.
Native American and Alaska Native English learners represent approximately 8% of all English learners in public schools. Policies have been established at the federal, state, and local levels to support the academic and social emotional well-being of Native American and Alaska Native students and yet the achievement and opportunity gaps between them and their peers persist. This requires a focus on factors that influence the success and development of Native American and Alaska Native English learners and the cultural, instructional, and structural practices that promote their academic achievement and social development.