Bill aims to improve Native education levels

HONOLULU (AP) – U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has introduced a bill aimed at improving education of the nation’s Native people.

Akaka, the Democratic chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, said the measure promotes teaching of culture and language in schools.

It also deals with local control, parental involvement and teacher training and development.

Akaka says he wants to reverse the trend of native students often suffering from low graduation rates and poor academic performance.

He says the measure aims to integrate culture into education and increase access to opportunities.