A happy father and child

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has retained Public Policy Associates, Inc. (PPA) to conduct a review of BIE policies and procedures.  The project seeks to update existing policies in support of BIE’s strategic direction and mission.

The BIE oversees 183 schools in 23 states—including 130 that are tribally controlled and 53 that are directly operated by the BIE.  The BIE’s mission is to: “. . . provide quality education opportunities from early childhood education through life in accordance with a tribe’s needs for cultural and economic well-being, in keeping with the wide diversity of Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages as distinct cultural and governmental entities.”  PPA will prepare a draft of updated BIE policies through research to identify exemplar policies and create recommendations to fill policy gaps.  PPA will also outline a communications strategy and support consultation materials for stakeholders.

This project has the potential to impact 47,000 individual students in BIE-supported schools.  PPA will be assisting the BIE in its role “. . . as a capacity builder and service provider in delivering culturally appropriate education with high academic standards to allow students to achieve success.”

According to PPA project manager Dr. Daniel Quinn, “This project is an exciting opportunity to share our technical knowledge and deep experience in education policymaking.  The collaborative process we have established with the BIE team has also been rewarding.”

PPA provides clients across the country with the evaluation, research, and strategic consultation to improve lives, enrich communities, and strengthen institutions.

To learn more about PPA’s work on education issues, contact Dr. Quinn at 517-485-4477 or dquinn@publicpolicy.com.