This report presents the text, background, and analysis of proposed amendments to the Indian Education Act of 1972. The amendments reauthorize the Indian Education Act, revise existing law to improve administration of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) education programs, and incorporate school reform legislation enacted in Goals 2000 (the Educate America Act). The Indian Education Act funds 185 BIA-operated or tribally operated schools and dormitories on 63 American Indian reservations; supplemental programs for Indian children in over 1,200 public school districts; and competitive grants to support planning, demonstration projects, fellowships and professional development for Indians, and agency administrative budgets. While reauthorizing formula grants for supplemental programs, the amendments specify minimums for program enrollment and funding; require applicants to provide a comprehensive plan covering objectives, coordination of funds, teacher training, student evaluation, and dissemination of assessment results to parents; and require the school district to assess Indian student needs. The amendments also reauthorize the six Indian Education Technical Assistance Centers, provide educational planning grants to tribal governments, provide for revision of BIA education standards to reflect community goals, authorize new funding for Indian and Alaska Native language instruction, address the enormous backlog of needs for school construction, and change criteria for investment of endowment funds of the tribally controlled community colleges. Includes a Congressional Budget Office cost estimate. (SV)
