Native students had the lowest reading scores among all racial groups in 2017, and these scores were more noticeable in students who were frequently absent, a common trend on reservations. To help students become better readers, the American Indian Education Fund (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), offers a Literacy service to our program partners by sending books and incentives for students. Children are encouraged to read both by themselves and with book buddies.

Our program partner Principal Brian Sieh is new to Norris Elementary School on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, and he is working to improve literacy for all 49 students. In 20 years as an educator, Principal Sieh notes positive results from his work on other reservations and plans to do the same for Norris students. “People have called me a school improvement specialist. Our goal is to build each kid up and raise the bar.”

With many students struggling to attend school, Principal Sieh recognizes that survival takes priority over getting an education for many families on the reservation. “The students could be home taking care of younger siblings.” He continues, “This is a high-poverty area where limited resources are always an issue. There’s no gas station, and we’re 30 miles from anything.”

To instill good reading skills, Norris students start their day with books each morning. Kindergarteners like Natalie Charging Hawk are learning to sound out words and build the foundation for literacy. Natalie’s scores have increased 43% since the fall, making her the top of her class. “I read before bed, and I love to come to school every day.” Her mom Crystal says Natalie tries to read books even if she doesn’t know all the words.

Natalie’s brother Lyric is in second grade, which Principal Sieh calls the COVID class. “They’re learning how to be in a classroom after years of virtual and hybrid learning.” Lyric enjoys learning new things and says his mom (a paraprofessional at the school) is his favorite teacher. The eldest sibling, fifth grader Mizayha, loves to read graphic novels.

Despite the Charging Hawks’ love for reading, Crystal says it can be a challenge to navigate roads in the rural area, which affects her kids’ attendance. What helps is making reading time a priority at home. “Sending books home with students and having parents help is great for interaction time.” Crystal has always loved reading and remembers the summer bookmobiles that would roll into town in her youth.

Principal Sieh says reading is a gateway to success in anything you want to do. He shares a heartfelt thank you to AIEF donors: “We want to thank them for all their support. It’s funding we otherwise wouldn’t have to help these kids grow.”

Donate to AIEF so that Native children like the Charging Hawks can gain confidence in reading and be set up for success.