Department of the Interior Reports Record Graduation Rates for Bureau of Indian Education Schools

By Joe Morey Rez Life Weekly Editor

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that high school graduation rates among Bureau of Indian Education funded schools have reached the highest level in the agency’s history, according to a department press release.

According to the Department of the Interior, graduation rates at Bureau of Indian Education funded high schools increased from 51 percent in 2015 to 79 percent in 2025. Federal officials said the gains surpass pre pandemic levels and come at a time when student outcomes have declined nationally following the COVID 19 pandemic.

Native American students in caps and gowns at a graduation ceremony, illustrating the rising graduation rates reported by the Bureau of Indian Education, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland said the graduation milestone reflects long term reforms within the Bureau of Indian Education.

“These historic graduation gains reflect President Trump’s commitment to accountability, workforce readiness and ensuring American Indian and Alaska Native students have access to high quality educational opportunities,” Kirkland said in the release. He added that the Bureau has focused on strengthening instruction, using data to guide decision making, and prioritizing student success.

The Bureau of Indian Education supports educational programs serving more than 400,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students nationwide, according to the department. Its system includes direct educational services and funding programs that span early childhood education through post secondary pathways.

Bureau of Indian Education Director Tony L. Dearman said the graduation improvements are the result of consistent expectations and stronger accountability across schools.

“This historic achievement reflects disciplined execution, strong instructional leadership and an unwavering focus on student outcomes,” Dearman said. “We established clear expectations, strengthened accountability and equipped schools with the tools they need to support every student through graduation and into college or the workforce.”

The Department of the Interior also cited improvements in academic performance alongside rising graduation rates. Since 2016, Bureau of Indian Education students have shown a 9 percent increase in math proficiency and a 10 percent increase in English language arts proficiency, according to the release.

Federal officials attributed the academic gains to system wide reforms within the Bureau. These included modernization of data systems, expanded use of instructional pacing guides, real time dashboards, and reporting tools designed to help educators identify student needs earlier and provide consistent instruction across schools.

According to the department, Professional Learning Communities have played a key role in the reforms. These collaborative groups allow educators to review assessment data, adjust instructional strategies, and implement targeted interventions while sharing accountability for student progress.

The Bureau has also expanded professional development opportunities focused on data literacy and structured decision making, along with ongoing coaching and technical assistance. Officials said these efforts are intended to help educators translate assessment results into effective classroom practices.

Enhanced oversight, improved performance reporting, and updated school report cards were also cited as part of the reforms. The Department of the Interior said these measures have increased transparency and improved communication with tribal governments and families.

Federal officials said the year over year growth in graduation rates and academic performance underscores the administration’s stated goal of preparing Native students for college, careers, and leadership roles.

As graduation rates reach historic highs, the Bureau of Indian Education said it plans to focus on sustaining progress through continued collaboration with tribes, educators, and families, while maintaining an emphasis on instructional quality and transparent reporting.

According to the Department of the Interior, those efforts are intended to ensure that American Indian and Alaska Native students graduate prepared to succeed in higher education, the workforce, and their communities.