‘We devalued the trades’: A Native American graduation miracle that isn’t what it seems

In a heartwarming story of redemption, Gerald Dillon, an 18-year-old Native American student from the Puyallup Reservation in Washington, has defied expectations to graduate from high school and is now considering a career in teaching. Dillon's journey is emblematic of a broader trend of improving graduation rates among Native American students, with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) reporting a record high of 79% of high schoolers graduating within four years in 2025, up from just over half in 2015.

Background & Context

The BIE oversees 183 primary and secondary schools serving over 40,000 students across the United States. The agency has faced significant challenges in the past, including high dropout rates and limited access to quality education. However, in recent years, the BIE has implemented a number of innovative initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including a shift in focus to technical training and career readiness.

These efforts have paid off, with many students like Gerald Dillon finding renewed purpose and motivation in their studies. According to Dillon, his grades improved significantly after he enrolled in career training courses, and he is now considering pursuing a teaching degree at college. His story is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the importance of providing students with relevant and engaging educational experiences.

Key Details

Administrators at the school say that the shift in focus to technical training and career readiness has been a key factor in the improvement in graduation rates. They attribute this success to the Trump administration's commitment to Native American students, including efforts to strengthen teacher training and improve data collection methods. However, concerns have been raised that changes to the BIE under the Trump administration could undermine progress and prevent struggling schools from improving.

The BIE has also implemented new data collection methods, which have resulted in a more accurate picture of student outcomes. According to Carmelia Becenti, the agency's chief academic officer, the new reporting standards have allowed the agency to "come to a consensus and set an accountability framework for our schools." An analysis of BIE data found that graduation rates across the system are up 55% since new reporting standards began rolling out, with nine of its secondary schools reporting 100% growth or higher.

What Experts Say

Experts say that the improvement in graduation rates is a significant achievement, but there is still much work to be done. "We're seeing a trend of increasing graduation rates, but we need to continue to support our students and provide them with the resources they need to succeed," said Billy Kirkland, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. Kirkland noted that the BIE's efforts to strengthen teacher training and improve data collection methods have been critical in driving this progress.

Key Takeaways

• Graduation rates among Native American students have improved significantly, with the BIE reporting a record high of 79% in 2025.
• The BIE has implemented a number of innovative initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including a shift in focus to technical training and career readiness.
• New data collection methods have resulted in a more accurate picture of student outcomes, with graduation rates across the system up 55% since new reporting standards began rolling out.
• Concerns have been raised that changes to the BIE under the Trump administration could undermine progress and prevent struggling schools from improving.

What This Means For You

The improvement in graduation rates among Native American students is a significant achievement, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by this community. As the BIE continues to work towards improving student outcomes, it is essential that we prioritize support for our Native American students and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. This includes investing in quality education, providing access to relevant and engaging educational experiences, and addressing the unique challenges faced by this community.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to support and empower our Native American students, providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.