Survey of Ak Chin Indian Reservation to Determine Educational Needs. Final Report.

The Ak Chin Reservation survey to determine educational needs had 3 objectives: (1) to discover what the Ak Chin desire and will support in education, (2) to encourage Ak Chin participation in planning on the basis of research findings, and (3) to obtain demographic data necessary for planning. A structured interview was administered to 52 reservation families in Summer, 1972 and an opinionnaire to single youths between the ages of 13 and 18. Findings yielded data on number and ages, educational level, child rearing practices, language, willingness to participate, perception of educational needs, identification of leadership, and rank order of values. The Ak Chin desired education on their reservation where the family can participate as a unit. They wanted vocational training and recreation for all ages, as well as adult education. A community school concept with the Ak Chin involved in planning was recommended with diversified education for all ages. Vocational training, particularly vocational agriculture, was suggested for youth. Involvement of Ak Chin in teaching, insofar as possible, in the community school and parent education in intellectual and motivational stimulation of children was recommended, as well as preschool education for young children. (Author/FF)