Ute Tribe Creates Own High School as Public Schools Fail Native Students

Culturally sustaining curriculum leads to higher test scores and graduation rates for Indigenous students,but Ute students in the Uinta Basin have the lowest test scores in the state and drop out at a higher rate.
The Ute Tribe has advocated for Ute language and history to be taught in schools, but districts have been resistant due to lack of funding and support.
Uintah River High School, run by the Ute Tribe, offers Ute cultural and language classes and has an 85% graduation rate, while public schools have lower rates for Ute students.
Ute students in public schools face stereotyping, lack of support, and low expectations, leading to poor performance, but other districts show support can help.
Public schools lack Native curriculum and representation, contributing to disparities for Ute students.