ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the cultural, socioeconomic, and familial characteristics of American Indian children and adolescents. It examines American Indian learners—their culture, language issues, families, achievement levels, and overall school programs. American Indians number more than 500 tribes of varying sizes. The larger tribes include the Cherokee, Navajo, Chippewa, and Sioux. American Indians might be the most misunderstood cultural group in the United States, mainly because many people have such limited knowledge of the American Indian culture. Societal and cultural beliefs and traditions of the American Indian people particularly influence developing adolescents and their evolving identities. Educators working with American Indians need to address females' particular gender differences, rather than assuming too much homogeneity between males and females. Civil rights legislation and the strong will and determination of the American Indian population are enabling these people to improve their lot in life.
