Washington D.C.—Friday, June 25, during the Annual Meeting of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators, Colorado State Senator Suzanne Williams gave a presentation entitled: “Early Childhood: Promoting School Success in Native American Children”.

The presentation highlighted the education disparities among Native American students. For example, according to Senator Williams, many Native American children begin exhibiting significant gaps in literacy, math, understanding shapes and fine motor skills by kindergarten. 

Senator Williams would go on to cite research which indicated that the disparities can be reversed—specifically through increased early childhood education. She then identified areas where efforts can be focused, including: early childhood exposure to language and improving the level of maternal education.

Senator Williams’ presentation comes in advance of a position paper set to be released by the Education Committee of the Caucus which will highlight education disparities among Native American students and outline steps the Caucus plans to take to address them.

Senator Williams’ presentation can be found here.

To read more about education in Indian Country, read Striving to Achieve: Helping Native American Students Succeed.