News Release: Interior Department Taps Experienced Leaders for Key Positions in Indian Affairs and Education

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lawrence S. Roberts, who leads the Office of the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, today announced new leadership for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). Weldon ‘Bruce’ Loudermilk will succeed Michael S. Black as Director of the BIA and Tony Dearman will be the new Director of the BIE.

Navajo Nation Alternative Definition of Adequate Yearly Progress Approval Letter

Letter from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Secretary of Education John King, Jr. on the approval of the Navajo Nation's request for an alternative definition of adequate yearly progress.

Navajo Nation Accountability Workbook

Copy of the approved Navajo Nation Accountability Workbook by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Dear Tribal Leader Letter: Input on Implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) invites you to provide input on the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The ESSA was signed into law on December 10, 2015 reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act. The ESSA is scheduled to be implemented in the 2017-2018 school year.

News Release: Roberts Announces Extension of Submission Date for BIE Accountability NRC Nominations

Lawrence S. Roberts, who is leading the Office of the Assistant Secretary –Indian Affairs, announced today that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has extended its deadline for nominations of qualified individuals to serve on a negotiated rulemaking committee (NRC) that will recommend revisions to its school accountability system. Nominees are being sought from federally recognized tribes whose students attend BIE-funded schools. The new deadline for nominations, a notice of which was published this month in the Federal Register, is on or before October 3, 2016.

Federal Register: Notice of Intent To Establish a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is seeking nominations from Tribes whose students attend BIE-operated or BIE-fundedschools to serve on the Accountability Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee). Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, BIE must use a negotiated rulemaking process to develop standards, assessments and an accountability system. BIE also solicits comments on the proposal to establish the Committee, including comments on additional interests not identified in this notice of intent and comments on the expansion of the scope of the Committee. BIE has extended the period to submit nominations for Committee members or written comments on this notice of intent on or before October 3, 2016.

Federal Register: Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Meeting

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board) will hold its next meeting in Lawrence, Kansas. The purpose of the meeting is to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) for Indian children with disabilities. The Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, September 15, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time and Friday, September 16, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time at the Regents Room, Navarre Hall, Haskell Indian Nations University, 155 Indian Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66046.

Federal Register: Use of Bureau-Operated Schools by Third Parties Under Lease Agreements and Fundraising Activity by Bureau-Operated School Personnel

Congress authorized the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to enter into agreements with third parties to lease the land or facilities of a Bureau-operated school in exchange for funding that benefits the school. This proposed rule establishes standards for the appropriate use of lands and facilities under a lease agreement, provisions for establishment and administration of mechanisms for the acceptance of consideration for the use and benefit of a school, accountability standards to ensure ethical conduct, and provisions for monitoring the amount and terms of consideration received, the manner in which the consideration is used, and any results achieved by such use. Please submit written comments by August 22, 2016.

Federal Register: Grants to Tribal Colleges and Universities and Dine´College

The Bureau of Indian Education is updating its regulations governing grants to Tribal colleges and universities and Dine´ College. The Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978, as amended (TCCUA), authorizes Federal assistance to institutions of higher education that are formally controlled or have been formally sanctioned or chartered by the governing body of an Indian Tribe or Tribes. The Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, as amended (NCCA) authorizes Federal assistance to the Navajo Nation in construction, maintenance, and operation of Dine´ College. This final rule would update implementing regulations in light of amendments to the TCCUA and the NCCA. This rule is effective July 14, 2016.

Federal Register: Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Bureau of Indian Education Advisory Board for Exceptional Children

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), the Bureau of Indian Education requests nominations of individuals to serve on the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board). There are three positions available. The BIE will consider nominations received in response to this request for nominations, as well as other sources. Please submit nominations by July 11, 2016

Federal Register: Notice of Intent To Establish a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is reopening the comment period for Tribes to nominate for membership on the Accountability Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee) and is expanding the scope of what the Committee will address. BIE also solicits comments on the proposal to establish the Committee, including comments on additional interests not identified in this notice of intent and comments on the expansion of the scope of the Committee. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2016.

Call for Proposals: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program

BIE is accepting applications for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program. Through 21st CCLC, BIE-funded schools and dormitories are eligible to receive grants that enable them - with the assistance of community partners - to plan, implement, or expand projects that benefit the educational, health, social, cultural, and recreational needs of the students and community. In addition, lifelong learning activities and literacy education programs are available for adult family members in the local school setting. The deadline to submit proposals is May 31, 2016.

Acting Assistant Secretary Roberts Announces Bureau of Indian Education School Replacement Program Selections

WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Lawrence S. Roberts announced today the 10 Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools eligible for funding for campus-wide replacement. Publication of this list completes the process for identifying the Department’s top priority schools for campus-wide replacement developed through negotiated rulemaking required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Part B FFY 2016 Grant Award Application

Under the General Education Provisions Act and the IDEA of 2004, the BIE is required to publish their annual Part B Grant Award Application for 60 days, of which 30 days must be allowed to accept public comments. Public Post starts March 2, 2016.

Acting Assistant Secretary Roberts Announces Launch of the Indian Affairs 2016 Student Leadership Summer Institute for Native Students

WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s Generation Indigenous (“Gen-I”) initiative to remove barriers to success for Native Youth, Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Lawrence S. Roberts today announced the launch of the 2016 Indian Affairs Student Leadership Summer Institute, a paid 10-week summer internship program with the agency that begins in early June. The Institute will provide American Indian and Alaska Native post-secondary students with a unique opportunity to learn about federal policymaking and develop management and leadership skills within high-profile offices throughout the Indian Affairs organization. Roberts made the announcement at the National Congress of American Indians’ “Tribal Nations Legislative Summit 114th Congress Executive Council” meeting.

President Obama’s FY 2017 Budget Request for Indian Affairs Increases Funding That Supports Strong, Resilient Tribal Nations For Today and Future Generations

WASHINGTON – President Obama’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget request for Indian Affairs, which includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), reflects the Administration’s all-of-government approach to meeting the federal government’s responsibilities to the nation’s 567 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and building on the commitment to promote strong, resilient nations for today and for future generations.

Federal Register: Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Bureau of Indian Education Advisory Board for Exceptional Children

BIE is seeking nominations of individuals to serve on the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children. The Advisory Board was established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 to advise the Secretary of the Interior, through the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, on the needs of children with disabilities in BIE funded schools . Nominations must be submitted by Monday, March 7, 2016.

Bureau of Indian Education School Replacement Program Public Meeting for Final School Replacement Candidates Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for final candidates for Department’s School Replacement Program that focuses on construction projects that replace a majority of the facilities on a school campus.

Secretary Jewell Highlights Budget Gains to Finish Previously Identified BIE School Construction Projects

RED VALLEY, Ariz. – On the heels of President Obama’s State of the Union address where he committed to focusing on challenges and opportunities that will impact America for generations to come – including in Indian Country – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today announced $45 million to build the last previously identified Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) school construction projects. The schools slated to receive funding are the final two of 14 identified in 2004 by the Bush Administration as requiring the greatest need for replacement construction but never received Congressional funding.

Bureau of Indian Education Partners with National Board to Accelerate Effort to Reach 1,000 Board-Certified Teachers in Native American Schools by 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — December 9, 2015 — In a focused effort to strengthen teaching and improve student outcomes in BIE-funded schools serving Native American students, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is working with the National Board to support teachers to pursue and achieve National Board Certification. National Board Certification is a rigorous, performancebased, peer-reviewed assessment similar to Board certification in fields such as medicine and engineering. More than a decade of research shows that the students of Board-certified teachers learn more than their peers.

Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces $1 Million in Grants to Promote Tribal Control of Bureau of Indian Education-funded Schools

Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced that $1 million in funding is being made available to federally recognized tribes through the Bureau of Indian Education’s Sovereignty in Indian Education (SIE) Enhancement Program. The SIE Enhancement Program supports tribes in their efforts to assume control of the BIE-funded schools serving their communities.

Federal Register: Notice of Johnson-O'Malley Program Tribal Consultation Meetings

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will be conducting three consultation sessions from December 15-17, 2015 to obtain oral and written comments on issues concerning the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program. The sessions continue the previous dialogues conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and BIE in 2012 and 2015. The deadline to submit comments is January 15, 2016.

Federal Register: Notice of Intent To Establish a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is announcing its intent to establish an Accountability Negotiated Rulemaking Committee. The Committee will recommend revisions to the existing regulations for BIE’s accountability system. As required by applicable statutes, the Secretary will select representatives of Indian tribes for the Committee from among individuals nominated by tribes whose students attend BIE-funded schools operated by either the BIE or by the tribe through a contract or grant and who would be affected by a final rule.

Eight Tribes Receive Nearly $2.5 Million in Grants; Funds Help Tribes Take Control of Own Educational Program

Eight federally recognized tribes will collectively receive $2.5 million in grant awards from the U.S. Departments of Education and Interior to bolster their educational programs and advance self-determination goals through the development of academically rigorous and culturally relevant programs.

Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces Two Initiatives to Provide Learning, Training Opportunities for Native Youth in Water Resource Management and Designing Energy Solutions

As part of President Obama's Generation Indigenous ("Gen-I") initiative to remove barriers standing between Native youth and their opportunities to succeed, Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced two Indian Affairs initiatives offering learning and training opportunities to Native youth: the Native American Water Corps internships and the Energy Challenge for Native Youth

National Congress of American Indians Resolution Supporting the Bureau of Indian Education's Reorganization and Reprogramming of Funding

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interest of tribal governments and communities, passed a resolution supporting the Bureau of Indian Education’s (BIE) reorganization and reprogramming of funding. Resolution #SD-15-073, passed on October 23, 2015, at the 72nd NCAI Annual Convention supports the Department of the Interior and BIE in their continued efforts to reform BIE in a manner that improves student achievement and respects tribal sovereignty.

Sovereignty in Indian Education Enhancement Program Application

Tribal Education Department Grant Application

News Release: Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces More Than $1.7 Million in Funding to Build the Capacity of Tribal Education Departments and Promote the Control of BIE-Funded Schools

Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced that $1.75 million in funding is being made available to tribes through two Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) initiatives: The Sovereignty in Indian Education (SIE) Enhancement Program and the Tribal Education Department (TED) Grant Program. These programs assist federally recognized tribes with building their tribal education departments and promoting tribal control of their schools.

Federal Register: Proposed Rule-Grants to Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities and Dine´ College

The Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978, as amended (TCCUA), authorizes Federal assistance to institutions of higher education that are formally controlled or have been formally sanctioned or chartered by the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes. Passed at the same time as the TCCUA, the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, as amended (NCCA) authorizes Federal assistance to the Navajo Nation in construction, maintenance, and operation of Dine´ College. This proposed rule would update the TCCUA’s implementing regulations in light of amendments to the TCCUA in 1983, 1986, 1998 and 2008 and the NCCA’s implementing regulations in light of amendments to the NCCA in 2008.

Federal Register: Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Meeting

The Bureau of Indian Education is announcing that the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board) will hold its next meeting in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 for Indian children with disabilities. Orientation for new members will be held September 16, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT. The Advisory Board will meet on September 17, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, September 18, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

News Release: Haskell Accreditation Reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission

LAWRENCE, KS – The Higher Learning Commission has reaffirmed the accreditation of Haskell Indian Nations University and set the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation for 2024-25. HLC accreditation ensures academic programs meet nationally recognized standards and is required for universities to receive federal funds for student financial aid and research.

News Release: Isleta Pueblo’s Landmark Transition to Full Operation and Management of Tribal Elementary School

ISLETA PUEBLO, N.M. – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Dr. Charles ‘Monty’ Roessel today joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Isleta Pueblo Governor Edward Paul Torres Sr. to celebrate the landmark transfer of the pueblo’s elementary school to full tribal control. The transition is the first enabled by the Obama Administration’s Blueprint for Reform promoting educational selfdetermination for tribal communities and the President’s Generation Indigenous (GenI) initiative to improve the lives of Native youth by removing barriers to their success.

News Release: Interior Department Announces New Funding for Tribal Education

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell joined Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Dr. Charles M. “Monty” Roessel today in announcing important funding to help further the Department of the Interior’s goal to transform and improve the quality of education students receive at tribal schools funded by the BIE.Funding will build the capacity of tribal education departments, help increase access to higher education.

FBMS Personal Identification Verification Card Access

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) FBMS users are now be required to use two-factor authentication, a second means to identify users to access FBMS. BIE will utilize a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Card, which will be inserted into a reader with a PIN number, in order to access FBMS. All BIE FBMS users must have their PIV card activated and use it to access FBMS no later than July 13, 2015.

U.S. Departments of Education and Interior Announce Grant to Assist Pine Ridge School Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – William Mendoza, Director of the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education at the U.S. Department of Education, and Dr. Charles M. “Monty” Roessel, Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, today announced that the Pine Ridge School in South Dakota has received $218,000 at their request under the U.S. Department of Education’s Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant program to aid in recovery from student suicides and suicide attempts.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Climate Change Photo Contest

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has announced their 1st Tribal Climate Change Photo Contest for American Indian and Alaska Native students grades K-12. The purpose of this photo contest is to help students understand climate change and allow them to identify culture, economic, physical, ecosystem, and other vulnerabilities in the world around them through the lens of climate change. As a result, students will be given the opportunity showcase their artistic skills while expressing what is valued in their culture and community.

Miccosukee Alternative Definition of Adequate Yearly Progress Approval Letter

Letter from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the approval of the Miccosukee Indian Schools request for alternative definition of adequate yearly progress.

News Release: Miccosukee Indian School Receives Historic Flexibility to Meet Academic and Cultural Needs of Students

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced today that the Miccosukee Indian School (MIS) has received flexibility from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), to use a different definition of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) that meets their students’ unique academic and cultural needs. The Miccosukee Indian School in Florida is funded by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

Tribal Education Department Grant Program Announcement

The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), through the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) hereby solicits grant proposals from federally-recognized tribes and their tribal education departments (TEDs) for projects defined by 25 USC § 2020. These funds will assist tribes in the development and operation of tribal education departments for the purpose of planning and coordinating all educational programs of the tribe. These funds will support the development of TEDs to improve educational outcomes for students and improve efficiencies and effectiveness in the operation of BIE-funded schools. Grant awards are subject to the availability of funds as appropriated by Congress.

Federal Register Notice: Tribal Education Department Grant Program

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) announces the availability of grants to tribes and their tribal education departments for projects identified at 25 U.S.C. 2020. This notice invites tribes with BIE-funded schools on or near Indian lands to submit grant proposals.

News Release: Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces $2 million in Grants to Build the Capacity of Tribal Education Departments

Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces $2 million in Grants to Build the Capacity of Tribal Education Departments. Funds will enable tribes to plan for directly operating BIE-funded schools on their lands and improving student educational outcomes.

Secretary Jewell to Deliver Commencement Address at Haskell Indian Nations University

On Friday, May 8, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will deliver the commencement address at the Haskell Indian Nations University 2015 Graduation Ceremony. Haskell is commemorating its 130th year of providing education and opportunity to Native American communities nationwide.

Bureau of Indian Education National Directory

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) National Directory is now available. The Directory provides contact information for the BIE Central Office, Division of Performance & Accountability, Division of Administration, Human Resources, Associate Deputy Director Offices, BIE and BIA Facilities Managers, BIE operated schools, tribally controlled schools and post secondary institutions.

Additional Tribal Consultation Scheduled

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has scheduled an additional tribal consultation session on May 15, 2015 in Albuquerque, NM to seek input on the proposed reorganization of the BIE. The comment period to provide written comments has been extended to May 22, 2015.

Federal Register Notice-Tribal Consultations

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will be conducting consultation meetings to obtain oral and written comments on the restructuring of the BIE.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is pleased to announce its partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NPBTS) to provide professional development, support and mentoring for teachers and counselors who want to pursue National Board Certification (NBC)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 Bureau of Indian Education Part B 2015 Grant Award Application

Under the General Education Provisions Act and the IDEA of 2004, the BIE is required to publish their annual Part B Grant Award Application for 60 days, of which 30 days must be allowed to accept public comment. Public Post starts March 6, 2015.

BIE Overtime Policy

Effective immediately, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Policy Memorandum will serve as guidance for requesting, approving, accruing and recording overtime and compensatory time worked by BIE employees.

Tribal Leaders Letter from Secretary Duncan

In today's global economy, a high-quality education is not just a pathway to opportunity but a vital route to success.

Statement by Assistant Secretary Washburn on FY15 Omnibus Bill Increased Funding for Bureau of Indian Education Reforms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary for Indian Affair Kevin K. Washburn today issued the following statement regarding the $40 million in additional Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-related funding in the recently enacted Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015.

Guidance to Schools

This responds to questions posed by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) regarding activities that might be supported with funds received by BIE-funded elementary and secondary schools1 under: (1) the specific programs listed in the December 3, 2012, Agreement Between BIE and the Department of Education (ED), which includes certain formula grant programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and (2) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

U.S Bureau of Indian Education - Advisory Board for Exceptional Children

National Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Announcement. Questions regarding special education, please contact Gloria Yepa, Supervisory Education Specialist-Special Education, at gloria.yepa@bie.edu or (505) 563-5264. You may also email your questions or comments prior to the meeting to Sue Bement, Designated Federal Officer, at sue.bement@bie.edu.

Consolidated Schoolwide Budget Workbook Template

Due date for the School-wide Budgets is May 30, 2014. Use template Rev: 7/21/2014.

Interior Department Announces $2.5 million to Promote Tribal Control and Operation of BIE-Funded Schools

As part of the Obama Administration’s historic commitment to ensure that all students attending Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools receive an effective education delivered to them by tribes, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced that the BIE will fund $2.5 million in Sovereignty in Indian Education competitive grants. The purpose of these grants is to provide funding to federally recognized tribes and their tribal education departments to promote tribal control and operation of BIE-funded schools on their reservations.

PUBLIC NOTICE - Bureau of Indian's (BIE) IDEA Determination under Section 616(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Part B

As required by IDEA Section 616(e)(7), the BIE is notifying the public that the Secretary of Education has taken enforcement action as outlined in the letter dated June 23, 2014 to Dr. Charles M. Roessel, BIE Director, regarding BIE's Determination by the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education. Click on read more to access the letter.

Secretary Jewell Announces Plan to Improve Achievement, Promote Tribal Control in Bureau of Indian Education-Funded Schools

Secretarial Order to transform Bureau of Indian Education implements recommendations of American Indian Education Study Group’s “Blueprint for Reform;” BIE redesign will promote tribal self-determination and improve delivery of services to BIE-funded schools.

More information about the American Indian Education Study Group’s work is available here

Secretary Jewell to Deliver Commencement Address at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – On Thursday, April 17, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will address the 2014 graduating class of the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), a National Indian Community College and Land Grant Institution located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

U.S. Bureau of Indian Education National Advisory Board for Exceptional Children

Annual Report 2013 from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013

BIE Director Dr. Charles Roessel Announces Dr. Venida S. Chenault as Haskell President

Washington - Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Dr. Charles M. Roessel today announced the selection of Dr. Venida S. Chenault as president of Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell) in Lawrence, Kansas. Chenault, an enrolled member of the Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation in Kansas, had been serving as vice president of academic affairs at Haskell since December 2004. Her new appointment is effective Jan. 12, 2014.

Attention: Special Education Coordinators/Head Teachers

School Performance Plan (SPP) Indicator 11 Desk Audit SY 2012-2013. Timely Initial Evaluations for SY 2012-2013 (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013)

Medicare New Regulations memorandum dated May 7, 2013

On February 14, 2013, the U.S. Department of Education published the amendments to the IDEA Final Regulations in the Federal Register (Volume 78, No. 31). You may go to http://www.bie.edu/Programs/SpecialEd/index.htm for further details.

Letter from Acting Director regarding Assessment Requirements SY2012-13 & SY2013-14

The Acting Director of the Bureau of Indian Education provided a letter on the assessment requirements for BIE-Funded Schools for SY 2012-13 and SY 2013-14 dated September 27, 2012. This letter provides an update of the administration of NWEA MAP and the usage of the Common Core State Standards for SY 2012-2013.

BIE ESEA Flexibility Request Documents

BIE is requesting flexibility from certain provisions of NCLB. BIE has prepared a draft Flexibility Request outlining reforms designed to improve the quality of education for students attending BIE-funded schools. The Flexibility Request is being widely circulated for stakeholder input. Please access the document and provide feedback by June 30th for use in revising the document before submission to the U.S. Department of Education. Related documents:

Summary of BIE ESEA Flexibility Request (13 pgs.)
Draft BIE ESA Flexibility Request

6111 Grant – Invitation for Proposals

Tribally-Operated Schools Only

Closure of Contracts Funded by REPP - memo dated 12/08/2011

Request to Carry Over 100% of the FY 2009 SIG Funds Available to LEAs to Compete with FY 2010 SIG Funds

Letter to Assistant Secretary Dr. Thelma Melendez dated August 26, 2011. School comment period closes on September 2, 2011.

Important Notice - School Improvement Grant Waiver

Public Comment Period through September 2, 2011 Please e-mail questions or comments by September 9, 2011 to Stanley Holder at Stanley.Holder@bie.edu with Grant Waiver in the subject line. Fax written comments to (505) 563-5281, attn: Stanley Holder or send via mail to address on the letterhead.

BIE 2009-2010 Baseline Data Report Kingsbury-NWEA (Feb. 2011)

Report on BIE system-wide performance in the first full school year of testing of schools in the BIE-NWEA Project. For more information on the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), see http://www.nwea.org/.

Echo Hawk Announces the BIE's Participation with Levi Horn and Nike in Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) Challenge

Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk announced today that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools will participate in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) Challenge inspired by the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative

Safety and Substance Abuse Prevention On-line Courses

The BIE has developed a series of online courses covering topics related to school safety, security, and substance abuse prevention.

Echo Hawk Tribal Leader Letter Re SIPI Status Dated 08-26-10

Letter to tribal leaders from AS-IA Larry Echo Hawk dated August 26, 2010, regarding the change in accreditation status of the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI).

HLC Notification Letter Re SIPI Status to President Allison Dated 07-02-10

Letter of formal notification from the Higher Learning Commission to SIPI President of HLC's action to change institution's status from accredited to candidate for accreditation dated July 2, 2010.

ARRA Federal Reporting Number of Jobs Exercise Sheet

The estimate of the number of jobs created or retained by the Recovery Act should be expressed as "full-time equivalents" (FTE).

SCAN and Critical Incident Reporting

All Critical Incident and Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Reports need to be made to Michelle Begay, SCAN Program Specialist.

BIE Announces New Sites

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is pleased to announce the launch of its new public internet website at http://www.bie.edu. We hope that you will take the opportunity to explore the new website in the coming weeks.

Operation Safe and Secure Schools

The Operation Safe and Secure Schools’ Team (OSASS) continues to work diligently in providing the safest learning environment possible for all Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) students and staff.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Attention ALL Employees: With the recent alert of the H1N1 Flu virus it has become necessary to document all suspected and confirmed H1N1 Flu cases. ALL incidences must be reported immediately.

BIE High School Excellence Program Explores Career Pathways

The BIE High School Excellence Initiative is moving forward with increasing student access to rigorous and relevant curriculum in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) areas. BIE is working with Loma Linda University in planning a 2 week summer health careers academy for 30 Sherman Indian High School students, and formalizing a memorandum for an advisor to be located on the Sherman Indian High School campus.

Echo Hawk Selects Keith O. Moore for BIE Director Post

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that he has selected Keith O. Moore as Director of the Bureau of Indian Education. Moore, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, had been serving as the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of South Dakota since August 15, 2009.

Myron Rolle Foundation

Fifty-two students and twelve teachers and chaperones from San Felipe Pueblo Elementary School, Isleta Elementary School, Tuba City Boarding School and Hotevilla Bacavi Community School participated with the Myron Rolle Foundation in attending the Diamondbacks Baseball game in Phoenix, Arizona on April 25, 2010.

Memo Correction Phase for ARRA

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is pleased with 100% reporting record of the ARRA Title 1-A First Quarter (January 1-March 31, 2010).

Dakota Working Group Presentation

Guidance on Out-of-State Travel (revised)