Indian Education: Schools Need More Assistance to Provide Distance Learning, Statement of Melissa Emrey-Arras, Director Education, Workforce, and Income Security, Testimony Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S. Senate   [open pdf - 1MB]

From the Highlights: "BIE's [Bureau of Indian Education] mission is to provide quality education to approximately 41,000 students at 183 schools it funds on or near Indian reservations in 23 states. About two-thirds of these schools are operated by tribes and the remaining third are operated by BIE. In March 2020, all BIE schools closed their buildings in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed distance learning at BIE schools as part of its oversight responsibilities under the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act. This testimony examines the extent to which (1) BIE has provided schools with guidance to develop and implement distance learning programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) students have had the technology they need to participate in such programs."