Ji-AAnjichigeyang 'to change the way we do things' retention of American Indian students in teacher education.

Abstract

American Indian students have the lowest retention rate of any other group in higher education. The purpose of this study was to understand factors that influence retention of American Indian students and to understand the participants' perspectives of these factors. The study was conducted using interviewing as the method of inquiry. The study aimed to uncover multiple perspectives on the topic, interviewing a Dean, Program Director, and two students from a teacher education program. All interviews were conducted in person, lasting sixty to one hundred twenty minutes. All participants were asked the same ten questions. Analysis of the data indicated the need for change in working with American Indian students. Through the use of story, vignettes, and narrative of the research participants' perspectives, the study presents ways in which to work more effectively with American Indian students. The study indicates it is not just identifying the issues many American Indian students bring with to their higher education experience but more importantly how we work with and respond to these issues. The results of the study offer specifically teacher education programs but more broadly, higher education institutions strategies to work more effectively with American Indian students.