Native American Adult Education Assessment / Troy V. McKelvy.

It is the assumption of this study that, through the assessment of the adult education and training needs of urban American Indians, programming can be designed to meet these needs, thereby providing the education and the skills which will enable Indians to improve their social condition and retain their culture. To assess cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and determine education needs, 100 American Indians (67 male, 33 female) residing in Chicago were interviewed during May, June, and July of 1978. Respondents represented 27 tribes, 33% had family reservation ties in Wisconsin, most had some religious affiliation (33% were Roman Catholic), 14% spoke their tribal language in the home, and 33% had lived in Chicago 14 years or less. Data indicated these urban Indians were young (more than 50% were under 35 years of age), 32% had never been married, 25% were married, 24% had 7 or more children at home, 21% lived in housing rated as dilapidated, 23% were unemployed and looking for work, 59% had not graduated from high school, 53% had no vocational or apprenticeship training, and 30% had family income less than $3,000. However, educational and career aspirations were high: more than 70% would like to improve their mathematics, reading and writing skills; almost all would like to earn more money; they would like to return to school, learn a new occupational skill, and receive more information about job skill opportunities and new careers; and they wish to learn more about their culture, speak tribal languages, and attend Native American educational and cultural programs. (NEC)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.