Two members of the Cherokee School Board have been nominated to the Bureau of Indian Education’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Rulemaking Committee. School Board chairperson Lori Blankenship, who represents the Big Cove Community, and Wolfetown School Board member Jessica Daniels were nominated for the Committee by USET.
“It is a great honor to be nominated to the AYP Rulemaking Committee,” said Blankenship. “The Adequate Yearly Progress is very important to our school systems. However, because most regulators do not know our schools or Native students, the required regulations can and do put us at a disadvantage. Serving on the AYP Rulemaking Committee will not only allow us to represent our school system, but also the other 15 federally recognized tribes who receive BIE funding.”
She continued, “Service on the committee will give us the opportunity to be accountable for our schools and put us on an even playing field. AYP is required of all 3rd grade through 12th grade students in the following areas: reading/language arts, mathematics, either graduation or attendance rates, arts and mathematics.”
“Being part of the committee to revise the AYP rules is an excellent way to have input from our school system,” said Blankenship. “By serving, we are better able to be accountable to our teachers, staff, students and parents. It is my goal to show everyone what a great school system we have here on the Qualla Boundary.”
Daniels commented, “I’m excited to be serving on the Bureau of Indian Education’s AYP Committee, along with fellow Cherokee Central Schools School Board member Lori Blankenship. I think this is a great opportunity for our school system. Lori and I will be working for and in conjunction with all USET tribes and their educational leaders to advocate the needs and concerns facing our schools in relation to AYP standards and expectations. In serving on this Committee, we will be representing the largest geographical area of the BIE representing 16 different schools in five different states.”
– Cherokee Central Schools along with One Feather staff reports
