National Data: What Can We Learn About Native Families and Their Engagement in Early Childhood Education?

• In Event: 61.069 - Shifting Native Early Childhood Education: Toward Justice and Inclusive Family Engagement at the Earliest Levels of Education

Abstract

This interactive symposium panel contribution has two goals: 1) to provide an overview of the theme of justice and inclusive family engagement, as it takes place within the realm of Native early childhood educational opportunities, and 2) to discuss relevant data extracted from the national longitudinal data sets to inform the larger and broader discussions of Native families and their current access to authentic family engagement. This presentation will draw upon quantitative analysis of national data sets, seeking to highlight descriptive data on the status of educational attainment and family engagement in early learning opportunities. The significances of this work sets the stage for examining -- through scholarly dialogue-- the impact of educational access and empowerment for Native families. Moreover, layering these findings with other interdisciplinary inquiry will support the development of targeted research in Native family engagement.

Authors

• Randall Akee, University of California - Los Angeles

• Tarajean Yazzie-Mintz, American Indian College Fund