SUPPORT TO INCREASE IMPACT AID FUNDS UNDER THE REAUTHORIZATION OF NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1969 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiians, and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Indian organization of American Indians, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people;and

WHEREAS, through its unique relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non—-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law is currently being reviewed by the United States Congress in anticipation of this key comprehensive legislation that affects all K—-12 education, including educational opportunities for Indian students; and

WHEREAS, the National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA) and the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools are actively reviewing NCLB and are making specific recommendations to Title VIII, Impact Aid, to increase funds that impact Native students and their communities.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION will support an increase to Impact Aid funding under the No Child Left Behind legislation.