For American Indian Students, College Aspirations Continue to Outpace Academic Readiness

The chasm between academic ambitions and achievement remains wide for American Indian students, as many failed to meet key readiness benchmarks despite plans to attend college. Achievement levels have continued to falter for American Indian students, reaching a five-year low in 2015, according to a new report released today by ACT and the National Indian Education Association (NIEA).

The report, The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015: American Indian Students, showed while 73 percent of American Indian students aspire to earn a bachelor's or graduate degree, only 18 percent met ACT College Readiness Benchmarks in at least three of the four core subject areas (English, math, reading and science) measured on the ACT® test. The data indicate a gradual downward trend in achievement, dropping 3 percentage points from a five-year high of 21 percent in 2011.

Compared to their peers, American Indian students are falling further behind in both readiness and aspirations. Achievement rates for students nationally have stagnated in the past several years, with only 40 percent meeting three of the four key benchmarks, despite 80 percent citing plans to attend a four-year college.

“The backward slide in achievement for these students is particularly pronounced and underscores the urgent need for greater alignment between what they learn and what they need to know to do well in college,” said Jim Larimore, ACT chief officer for the advancement of underserved learners. “The data suggest results won’t improve unless we take immediate action to help these students better plan and prepare for life after high school.”

As part of ongoing efforts to increase access and equity, ACT recently began offering free access to the new version of ACT Online Prep™ to students from low-income families who register for a national ACT test date with a fee waiver.

Key report findings include:

● STRONGEST SUBJECTS: Similar to their peers nationwide, American Indian students most frequently met the English readiness benchmark (39 percent compared to 64 percent for all students) and least frequently met the science benchmark (18 percent compared to 38 percent for all students).

● STEM INTEREST: Among American Indian students who reported an interest in STEM majors or occupations, a higher percentage met science and math benchmarks, with 28 percent of American Indian students who have an interest in STEM meeting the math benchmark compared to 20 percent for all American Indian students, and 24 percent meeting the science benchmark compared to 18 percent.

● DEMOGRAPHICS: From 2011–2015, the number of ACT test-taking American Indian graduates has decreased slightly—by about 2 percent—to 14,711 2015 high school graduates. Yet the American Indian population is relatively young, with one-third under the age of 18 and 600,000 enrolled in either regular or tribal schools.

“While high school graduate rates are increasing nationally, the data clearly show that Native students are being left behind,” said NIEA Executive Director Ahniwake Rose. “Our hope is that these findings help guide national and institutional policies that will lead to equitable outcomes for Native students. They have the ability to be successful at postsecondary institutions, but we need to ensure they have access to the resources necessary for this success.”

The report also includes actionable recommendations for improving outcomes for American Indian students, based on effective intervention strategies.

The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015: American Indian Students is available online at: http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCCR-2015-AmericanIndian.pdf

About this research
The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015: American Indian Students is the annual report from ACT and NIEA on the progress of U.S. high school graduates relative to college readiness. This year’s report shows that 59 percent of all students in the 2015 US graduating class took the ACT test, up from 47 percent in 2010. The increased number of test takers over the past several years enhances the breadth and depth of the data pool, providing a more comprehensive picture of the current graduating class in the context of college readiness as well as offering a glimpse at the emerging educational pipeline. During ACT registration, students are asked to provide information about family income, high school courses taken and postsecondary aspirations.

About the National Indian Education Association
The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) advances comprehensive educational opportunities for all Native students. Serving as the critical link between Native communities and the diverse array of institutions that serve our students, NIEA holds all accountable for improving achievement. Through advocacy, capacity building, and education, NIEA helps Native students and their communities succeed. Learn more at www.NIEA.org.