The Legislature hereby finds and declares that American Indian children have not performed well in California public schools as evidenced by low academic achievement at all grade levels, high dropout rates, and by the low number of pupils achieving a higher education. It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature to establish community-based programs that promote the educational achievement of American Indian pupils attending public schools throughout the state. The department shall provide proper guidance and effective administrative support to California American Indian education centers that recognize the unique cultural and historical needs of American Indian pupils and support the need to preserve the languages, cultures, and social structures of tribal communities.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 880, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)