community-wide strategic planning and needs...

Community-wide Strategic Planning and Needs Assessment

Presented by:

Thomas Shortbull, OLC President Michelle Yankton, OLC HS/EHS Executive Director

490 Piya Wiconi Road Kyle, SD 57752-0490

605.455.6000

1 OLC Community Assessment

Grantee Number 90-CI-9804

Table of Contents Executive Summary ...................................................... ......................................................................................... 1

Grantee Summary ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

Section 1 – Introduction and Methodology ................... ......................................................................................... 5

Section 2 – Service Data Area .................................................................................................................................... 3

Section 3 – Oglala Lakota College Head Start/Early Head Start Program .............................................................. 26

Section 4 – Ratings of OLC Head Start/Early Head Start Program ......................................................................... 31

Section 5 - Strengths .................................................... ....................................................................................... 34

Section 6 - Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................ 36

Citations ................................................................................................................................................................... 37



Executive Summary

Oglala Lakota College a tribal college on the Pine Ridge Reservation in

southwestern South Dakota. The college applied for and successfully

received the grantee responsibilities of the operation of the Pine

Ridge Reservation Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in

August of 2005. This transfer of responsibilities came at the request

of the Oglala Sioux Tribe following the college’s grant application

process to the Office of Head Start in Washington, DC.

The service and recruitment areas are identical with the boundaries

of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which encompasses about

3,468 square miles located on three counties including all of Shannon and Bennett Counties and part of

Jackson. Key communities served include the key towns of Martin, Allen, Wanblee, Kyle, Porcupine,

Wounded Knee, Manderson, Batesland, Oglala and Pine Ridge. The Pine Ridge Reservation is home to

the Oglala (“scatter their own”) band of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires).

The OLC Head Start/Early Head Start is funded to serve 100 infants, toddlers and expectant families

through the Early Head Start center-based program option and serves 491 children ages 3-5 in through

the Head Start center based option. According to the 2010 Census data, the population of the

Reservation is just under 90 % Native American and Shannon County is listed as the third poorest area

in America. Most residents live in nine distinct districts and both the Oglala Lakota College

Instructional Centers and the Head Start/Early Head Start centers are located in these towns.

Since taking over the grant in 2005, the college repaired connections with vendors and stabilized the

program, helping to rebuild the trust of the parents and the community. The eleven administrative

staff consist of the Director, Education/Disabilities Coordinator, Site Supervisor (Pine Ridge), Budget

Manager, Data Manager, Nutrition Manager, Personnel Director, Health andMental Health

Coordinator, Nutrition Assistant/File Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Bus Mechanic and Facilities

Manager. These individuals have provided additional support and stability to the 25 Head start

Classrooms and 5 Early Head Start centers located throughout the districts. The commitment to

qualified staffing of individuals with formal degrees in the management positions and educational

qualifications has been an ongoing focus and supported by the Oglala Lakota College Higher Education.



Grantee Summary

Our Mission

Oglala Lakota College is chartered

by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Its

mission is to provide educational

opportunities that enhance Lakota

life. These opportunities include

community services, certificates,

GED, associate, bachelor, and

graduate degrees. Oglala Lakota

College provides a framework of

excellence for student knowledge,

skills, and values towards piya wiconi - a new beginning for harmony in fulfillment of aspirations and

dreams. Oglala Lakota College is committed to continuous improvement and is creating Oglala Lakota

University through outstanding teaching, research, community service, and assessment.

Training Today’s Teachers

The result of our activities on the reservation; Lakota people are now employed in teaching, nursing,

human services, business, computer, and vocational positions providing services and support to the

people and families of Pine Ridge reservation.

A Leader in Education to Native People

Oglala Lakota College was one of the first tribally controlled colleges in the United States. The concept

of a tribally controlled college is that it be sanctioned by an Indian tribe, governed by a Board of

Trustees made up of tribal members; and meets the needs of reservation people in their pursuit of

higher education. In 2011, OLC was recognized as a Beating the Odds institution by a report of

the HCM Strategist, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This recognition was given for

being a Tribal college that produces a high number of Bachelor and Master Degree graduates.

Education Degree and Student Population

From its initial status as a community college, Oglala Lakota has grown to now offer Baccalaureate

degrees and several Master degrees in Lakota Leadership and Education. Our current average

enrollment is 1,800 plus students.

http://www.olc.edu/images/PressRelBtgOdds-8-2011.pdf

http://www.hcmstrategists.com/



SECTION 1 - Introduction and Methodology

In accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standard 1305.3(c):

Each Early Head Start and Head Start grantee must conduct a Community Assessment within its

service area once every three years. The Community Assessment must include the collection and

analysis of the following information about the grantee's Early Head Start or Head Start.

Every three years, the Oglala Lakota College Head Start and Early Head Start programs conduct a

community assessment of their recruitment and service area on the Pine Ridge Reservation in

accordance with the standard cited above. The document is also updated in each of the two

subsequent years (as defined under 1305.3(e) of the Performance Standards). The 2013 OLC

Community Assessment is considered the full three year assessment and will help to guide and

understand the needs of the reservations families that have children ages Birth to five and expectant

families. The results of the assessment will further assist and support the grantee in meeting its

mission statement below:

The Mission of the OLC Head Start Program is to provide a full range of services to meet the needs of

Lakota children from 0-5 and their families on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation addressing cognitive,

emotional, physical, nutritional, mental health, and Lakota language and culture development of the

children and the development needs of families.

The OLC Head Start/Early Head Start program will adhere to the full Community Assessment, as well as

conducting updates as new information is collected in the following updates for the academic years of

2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Head Start/Early Head Start will work with the OLC Department of

Research and Assessment to gather relevant and referenced data and will conduct family, staff and

community surveys annually with questions relevant to the needs of the children and families and to

the improvement of the program.

The OLC Early Head Start/ Head Start program had the overall responsibility for the Community

Assessment. The Community Assessment was accomplished through a parent, community, agency and

staff surveys and researching various resources for statistics and demographics. The managers were

responsible for compiling data and information from the agencies and staff surveys. The Family Service

Workers and administrative team were responsible for distributing and collecting data and information

from the parent and community survey. The data was reviewed and analyzed and use to make

projections and predictions for short and long term goals and objectives that will help to guide the

program in the next three years and these goals are then placed in the Grant application for funding.

Much of the information used for demographics and statistics is from the US Census Bureau and the

programs own Program Information Report. Cited resources are included in Section 6-Conclusions at

the end of this report.



SECTION 2 – Service Area Data

Service and Recruitment Area

The designated recruitment area for the Oglala Lakota College Head Start program is the boundary of

the Pine Ridge Reservation. Although the majority of children funded under Region 11, American

Indian/Alaska Native Programs Branch, 1305.3(a) of the Head Start Performance Standards also state:

Where the service area of a Tribe includes a non-reservation area, and that area is also served by

another Head Start grantee, the Tribe will be authorized to serve children from families native to

the reservation residing in the non-reservation area as well as children from families residing on the

reservation.

Pine Ridge has a population of 32,892 persons (HUD, 2012) living on nearly 3,700 square miles (larger

than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island together). The Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates nearly

47,000 Native Americans living in the area which includes the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City, and

adjacent areas (BIA Labor Force Report, 2005 – latest edition). The 2010 Census only reports that

there are 18,834 residents on the reservation (both native and non-native), but a study completed by

the Colorado State University in 2005 and later acknowledged and accepted by Department of Housing

and Urban Development, provides a more accurate estimate of 28,000 Lakota alone on the

Reservation. When HUD accepting the new population numbers, the executive director of the Oglala

Sioux Lakota Housing, Jim Berg stated that the incorrect numbers “has led to an incorrect formula and

has meant serious under funding of the housing program here on Pine Ridge and the loss of millions of

dollars.” Since 2005, HUD adds a % each year for population growth and the 32, 892 is this updated

estimate

Under 18 Over 18 Total 45% 55% 100% Eagle Nest (Wanblee) 1771 2168 3939 Lacreek (Martin) 461 568 1029 Medicine Root (Kyle) 2357 2884 5241 Pass Creek (Allen) 545 670 1215 Porcupine (Porcupine, Sharps) 1675 2052 3727 Wakpamni (Batesland, Wakpamni) 1974 2417 4391 Pine Ridge (Pine Ridge Village) 2867 3468 6335 White Clay (Oglala) 1884 2309 4193 Wounded Knee (Mande rson, WK) 1267 1555 2822 Total 14,801 18,091 32,892 HUD 2013 based on Pickering, 2005 with % increases each year and US Census % for age.)



The Reservation is located in southwestern South Dakota on the

Nebraska state line, about 50 miles east of the Wyoming border.

It rests along Fall River and Custer County lines as the western

border with the Badlands and Jackson County as the northern

border joining the Rosebud Reservation on the northeast corner.

The Bennett County line is the eastern boundary and the Nebraska border is the southern boundary of

the reservation. Pine Ridge, Martin, Kyle, and Wanblee are the largest towns on the reservation. Other

smaller towns include Manderson, Oglala, Porcupine, Red Shirt, Wounded Knee, Allen and Batesland.

The only major city within a couple of hours driving distance from Pine Ridge is Rapid City (population

78,000) to the north. Gordon and Rushville, NE are also within driving distance, but do not have a

population over 2,000. Chadron is a larger community with a population of nearly 6,000 and provides

additional (although limited) shopping opportunities just 50 miles south of Pine Ridge Village.

The land is an integral part of the Lakota culture and the economic base of the reservation. The

Reservation is 2,800,000 acres with 706,340 tribal owned; 1,064,840 allotted to tribal members,

1,027,284 privately owned (fee patent) and 1,536 government owned. The other land has been taken

or sold. The largest percentage of land is grazing with some farm land and some forest land. The

Badlands are prime tourist attractions. Bennett County is disputed by some but falls in the original

boundaries of the Reservation. The Oglala Lakota Nation website provides some additional

information on the Bennett County Land Dispute:

No land changes were made within Pine Ridge until the U.S. Congress passed the Pine Ridge Act of May 27, 1910 (Â§1, 36 Stat. 440), by which most of the southeastern portion of Pine Ridge located within Bennett County was sold off. "... (T)he Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby authorized and directed, as hereinafter provided, to sell and dispose of all that portion of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, in the State of South Dakota, lying and being in Bennett County and described as follows ..." (Act of May 27, 1910, Â§1 (36 Stat. 440). "Provided that any Indian to whom allotments have been made on the tract to be ceded may, in case they elect to do so before



said lands are offered for sale, relinquish same and select allotments in lieu thereof on the diminished reservation." The South Dakota Legislature determined the boundaries of Bennett County in 1909, while the land area was still part of the reservation. "The United States participated only as amicus before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cook v. Parkinson, 525 F.2d 120 (8th Cir. 1975), a criminal case that discussed Bennett County as no longer being part of the Reservation. The United States is not bound by that decision because it did not participate in the litigation. The United states was part in United States v. Bennett County, 394 F.2d 8 (8th Cir. 1968), in which the State of South Dakota had to obtain permission from the Department of Interior in order to fix roads or condemn property Bennett County, consistent with the property's Reservation status."

There are approximately 52 communities, which are named, and the historical homes of tiospaye

(extended family or linked groups of families). The Reservation is divided into nine political districts

each having a population center or centers:

1. Pine Ridge Village 2. Wakpamni (Batesland) 3. White Clay (Oglala, Red Shirt Village) 4. Porcupine (Porcupine) 5. Medicine Root (Kyle) 6. Wounded Knee (Wounded Knee,

Manderson) 7. Pass Creek (Allen) 8. Lacreek (Martin) 9. Eagle Nest (Wanblee).

The southern and eastern sections of the

reservation consist of wide-open grassy plains. In the west central section the prairie merges into the

small eastern spurs of the Black Hills, which are further to the west. The result is an area of rolling pine

covered hills and ridges, providing the inspiration for the name Pine Ridge. To the north of the wooded

area are badlands characterized by roughly eroded ridges, peaks, and mesas. The badlands are known

for their panoramic beauty created by the shapes and colors of the land formations.

Pine Ridge Reservation was originally part of the Great Sioux Reservation, which was created by treaty

with the U.S. Government in 1868. The Great Sioux Reservation included the whole of South Dakota

west of the Missouri River. During the years in the 1800's several treaties were entered into between

the Sioux and the U.S. Government. With each new treaty the Sioux lost more land until finally, in 1889

the Great Sioux Reservation was reduced to five separate reservations, one was the Pine Ridge

Reservation. This reduction of Tribal lands to a reservation with defined boundaries by the U.S.

Congress in the Act of March 2, 1889, which identified all the Lakota/Dakota reservations, is known as

the Great Sioux Settlement.



Part of the problems of the Reservation stem from the Allotment Act of 1888 by which the government

tried to reduce the Reservation and tribal power by giving each adult Indian 160 acres of land that had

been owned by them anyway as a tribe as designated by treaty. This resulted in the reservation being

broken up and the un-allotted land was made available to homesteaders. It is not surprising that most

of the leftover land was in the eastern section (now Bennett County) where the best farmland was.

(The current Wounded Knee land for sale owned by a non-Indian was a direct result of allotted land).

The reservation contains portions of the Badlands National Park and the site of the Wounded Knee

Massacre. A land dispute is now in the national news over a portion of the Wounded Knee Massacre

site. The non-native land owner of a 40 acre tract of land is putting the land up for sale. The purchase

price is 3.9 million dollars even though the tribe has assessed the plot at about $7000. There is much

dispute over this since it was the site of the massacre of innocent men, women and children. Given the

sale of over 1900 acres at Pe Sle for 9 million dollars of which tribes fundraised to purchase earlier this

year, the Wounded Knee land owner feels that this track of land is part of history and should be valued

accordingly. He has given the tribe until May 1st to come up with the purchase price or he will put the

land up for sale. Given that the tribe is currently in debt for approximately 60 million dollars (according

to the Tribal treasurer) and only has 1 million to purchase back land, it is unlikely that the tribe could

come up with the funding without taking out a loan for the site. This greed is not an unfamiliar story

given the history of the Oglala since contact with the encroaching settlers and gold seekers and is a

familiar story of wars with the United States, taking of lands, confinement to a reservation, breaking of

treaties by the U.S. government and attempts to stamp out Lakota language and culture. U.S.

government policies have continued to reduce the Oglala Lakota to some of the poorest people in the

country.

The Oglala Sioux Tribal government maintains jurisdiction within the boundaries of the reservation

including all rights-of-way, waterways, watercourses and streams running through any part of the

reservation and to such others lands as may hereafter be added to the reservation under the laws of

the United States. The Tribal government operates under a constitution consistent with the Indian

Reorganization Act of 1934 and approved by the Tribal membership and Tribal Council of the Oglala

Sioux Tribe. The Tribe is governed by an elected body consisting of a 5 member Executive Committee

and an 18 member Tribal Council.

The Tribal Council Chairman, Brian Brewer, is the administrative head of the Tribe and is assisted by

the Executive Committee, which consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Fifth

Member, and the Sgt. at Arms. The President and Vice-President of the Tribal Council are elected at

large and the remainder is elected from their districts by the Tribal membership. The tribal elections

are held every two years.

http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe/Reorg.Act%201934.pdf



Governance As discussed in the summary, the Oglala Sioux Tribe asked the Oglala Lakota College to

take over as grantee for the Pine Ridge Reservation Head Start and Early Head Start Program in 2005.

President Shortbull (Oglala Lakota College) shared researchers continued compelling evidence that the

first five years of life are the most important to development and that children, or wakanyeja, are

sacred to the Lakota. Oglala Lakota College is chartered by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and reports to the

OST Education Department as requested. The governing structure of the Oglala Lakota College

includes nine Board of Trustees members elected by tribal members by district; two Board of Trustees

members represent tribal government; 45 local board members (five from each district) and the Head

Start Early Head Start Policy Council comprise of 9 parent representatives and 2 community

representatives. The OLC Board of Trustees which has a member from each political District as well as

representatives of the Tribal President, Tribal Council, Council of Elders and Student Senate agreed.

Racial and ethnic composition

The racial, ethnic, cultural and

linguistic composition the Pine Ridge

Indian Reservation is nearly 90%

Native American according to the US

Census 2010. The population of

children age 5 and under is 2,149 or

11.4% of the total population. The

total number of households in the

same data set is 4,697 with 3,737

being family households. Of these,

58% have children under the age of 18

living in the household.

Oglala denotes a band of the Teton

Lakota. Lakota is a designation of

language. There are three

designations: Lakota, Dakota and

Nakota. The residents are

predominantly English speakers but are influenced by many Lakota Elder speakers. Newly elected OST

President Brian Brewer has made Lakota language one of the platforms of his presidency. As reported

in the Rapid City Journal “According to the nonprofit Lakota Language Consortium, the average age of a

Lakota speaker is about 65 years old, and only about 14 percent of residents of the various Sioux

reservations can speak their Native language. Without a Lakota language program in Oglala Sioux and

other tribal schools, the language could become extinct someday.” In the same article it shows that

fewer than 50 Native languages exist that have more than 1,000 speakers. According to the



Consortium, Pine Ridge has the largest percentage of speakers at 25% compared to the lowest

percentage of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe at 4%.

The local schools do have cultural academia within their curriculum. The emphasis is determined

within each administration of the school. The Lakota language is a language that all the reservation

schools are doing their best in revitalizing to save the language and preserve it through the children, as

so is the Head Start Program. Oglala Lakota College Lakota Studies Department is of the highest regard

within the communities of the reservation. The experience and knowledge that the instructional staff

of the department provides to the students, staff and families across the reservation is one of

perseverance and acknowledgement. The department is an asset for the Head Start Program and is

available for a resource of expertise.

Economic Activities In a June 2012 article from Indian Country Today, Stephanie Woodard describes

the resurgence of economic development on the Pine Ridge Reservation and credits an expanding

infrastructure in supporting this…”with public transit throughout the 2 million-plus-acre reservation,

good cell-phone coverage in most areas and wireless Internet widely available”. Since the article came

out, a new credit union opened to the residents of Pine Ridge with the office located in the center of

the reservation at Kyle, SD. Before the credit union, there was “no bank on the reservation, and off-

reservation banks make few loans there because much of the land that might act as collateral is held in

trust by the federal government or is tribally owned. According to Woodard, “That will make a credit

union the game-changer, easing access to cash and encouraging business formation and

homeownership”.

According to Lakota Funds, a community development financial institution (CDFI) “is leading an

economic resurgence of the Oglala Lakota Oyate on the Pine Ridge Reservation through culturally

appropriate strategies reigniting the traditional Lakota spirit of productivity, commerce, and trade.

Even with the many accomplishments of Lakota Funds, the private sector remains severely limited on

the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and Shannon County, where most of the reservation's residents live,

and as highlighted in the executive summary, is still one of the poorest counties in the United

States.” The Lakota Funds website continues by providing additional information on employment:

“unemployment exceeds 70 percent, and median household income is 58 percent lower than the rest

of South Dakota and 52 percent lower than the national average. On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

there are 13 businesses per 1,000 people, while the state of South Dakota averages 83 businesses per

1,000 residents. Consequently, more than 80 percent of the money that comes into the reservation is

spent in off-reservation communities”. A survey done by Bridget K. Roth of Colorado State University

in 2008 on Reservation consumption showed the following: 83% of households shop mostly off the

Reservation; 66% of purchases are made off the Reservation; transactions on the Reservation are small

and frequent; people between 25 and 36 have the most negative attitudes toward quantity of store

types on the Reservation; people do not think store owners are invested in the Reservation.



The Oglala Sioux Tribe’s major economic occupation is cattle ranching and farming for tribal operators.

The Tribe operates a large Parks and Recreation Department, guided hunting for small game, big game,

including buffalo and elk and the Cedar Pass Lodge, which includes a motel, restaurant and gift shop.

The Tribe also operates the Prairie Wind Casino near Oelrichs on the western edge of the reservation

and recently opened the East Winds Casino on the eastern edge of the reservation in Martin, SD. The

new casino operates 100 machines and was slated to provide 30 to 50 jobs in the LaCreek community.

According to a 2011 Indian Gaming Industry report, East Winds Casino now joins 11 other Native

American-run casinos in South Dakota. South Dakota Native American casino revenues grew 3 percent

in 2009, though revenue nationwide fell 1 percent, according to the report.

The majority of employment is provided by the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Oglala Lakota College (which

includes the 130+ employees of the Head Start/Early Head Start services), Bureau of Indian Affairs,

Indian Health Service, Prairie Winds and East Winds Casinos and the 20+ schools located within the

boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation. In the 2010 Full Community Assessment, the “Lakota Mall”,

an online site highlighting businesses on Pine Ridge indicated just over 350 businesses. For 2013, the

number almost reached 400 (393), which is over a 10% increase in businesses highlighted on the site.

The business breakdown shows that 14.5% or 57 businesses listed are Tribal programs, 8% or 36 are

churches, Schools account for 8 % or 32 of the businesses listed and 6% or 23 listings are health

related. Other businesses listed included those owned by private operators including grocery stores,

convenience stores, gas stations, laundromat, coffee video arcades, fast food shops, and arts and

handcrafts.

Unemployment: According to the SD

Department of Labor, this chart highlights

Industry and Occupations of Jackson and

Shannon Counties on the Pine Ridge

Reservation using 2010 Annual Averages. It

shows that a majority of the jobs are in

government, whether it be federal, state or

local – almost 80% are government jobs. The

census information for this report indicate that

from these industry numbers that the

unemployment rate is only 33.4%, but the

statistic only represents the labor

characteristics of the reservation, not the tribe.

In stark comparison, similar to the variances

between the 2010 Census numbers previous reported against the HUD approved numbers, the

Department of Interior 2005 Labor Report (the most recent published) indicates an unemployment

rate of 89%. This statistic is the opposite of the latter in that it represents the characteristics of the



tribe, not the reservation. Different sources cite different percentages, but it’s clear that the tribe has

a much higher rate of unemployment than it’s counterparts living off reservation within South Dakota.

Even now, the most current unemployment rate shown on the Labor Market Information Center for

Shannon County for February 2013 are still significantly lower than the Interiors Labor Report numbers.

According to the LMIC, Shannon County has a 12.8% unemployment rate while the national percentage

for March 2013 is 7.6% and South Dakota is 4.4% for the same period. The definitions between the

state and the Labor Force report vary and could account for some of the discrepancies, as well as

comparing “reservation” rates to “tribal” rates.

Poverty: The per capita income of Shannon County for 2011 was 7,887 compared with the South

Dakota income of $24,925. In the same data source, individuals living below the poverty level is 52.5%

compared with the state rate of 13.8%. On a national level, for the second year in a row, Shannon

County is ranked the 3rd poorest county in the United States. Western South Dakota, in fact, is

represented in the nations’ top three highest poverty counties. The first and second poorest counties

in the US are Ziebach County on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation (50.1%) and Todd County

(49.1%) located on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, respectively. Although there were some indications

that salaries had increased in Shannon County between 2009 and 2010, and the poverty rate dropped

by more than 3 percentage points, conditions on this reservation continue to place it on the top 10 list

of poorest counties. These figures are based on 2010 income of a four person household income less

than $22,314. Overall, South Dakota residents have a 14.6% poverty rate, which is just below the

national average of 15.3%.

“MSN MainStreet combed through the data to find the 15 counties with the highest overall poverty rates in the country. In total, more than 15% of the population lived in poverty in 2010, the highest percentage since 1993, according to the most recent data from the Census Bureau. To put that in perspective, that means more than 46 million people fell below the poverty line, defined as $22,314 for a family of four. If you factor in the income spent on expenses like medical costs, child care and mortgage payments, the number of Americans whose remaining income falls below the poverty line is closer to 50 million, or roughly 16% of the population.”

Education Data: According to the South Dakota Department of Education, a high‐density district is

defined as a district that has at least 18% American Indian/Alaska Native students enrolled K‐12. The

twenty‐four high‐density public school districts educate 71% of the American Indian students enrolled

in South Dakota’s public schools. The data in the following table is from the fall enrollment data 2011.

Shannon County (96.88%) is only second to Todd County district at 97.29% AIAN.

There are eight schools funded through the South Dakota school district. Batesland Elementary, Red

Shirt Table Elementary, Rockyford Lower Elementary, Rockyford Upper Elementary, Shannon County

Alternative, Shannon County Alternative, Shannon County Virtual, Wolf Creek Lower Elementary and

Wolf Creek Upper elementary.



Non-public school facilities include: Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary, Red Cloud Elementary and Red

Cloud High School. Tribal/BIE Schools on the Pine Ridge Reservation include: American Horse School,

Crazy Horse School, Little Wound School System, Loneman School, Pine Ridge School, Porcupine

Contract School and Wounded Knee School system.

The NAEP (National Assessment for Education Program) results for Grade 4 Reading and Mathematics

are included below. The bar charts show that for Native American students in Shannon County, they

have improved their reading levels from 2009 to 2011, but there still exists an educational disparity

between Native Students and comparing to All Students:

2% of 4th graders are reading at Advanced (compared with 5% of all students)

11% are reading at Proficient (compared with 26% of all students)

29% are reading at Basic (compared with 37% of all students)

58% are reading at Below Basic (compared with 31% of all students).



The bar charts above show that for Native American students in Shannon County have remained at the

same level for mathematics from 2009 to 2011. Again, there is still an educational disparity between

Native Students and All Students:

0% of 4th graders are ranks at Advanced (compared with 4% of all students)

15% are ranked at Proficient (compared with 36% of all students)

45% are ranked at Basic (compared with 46% of all students)

40% are ranked Below Basic (compared with 14% of all students).

The NAEP Results for 8th Grade reading

1% of 8th graders ranks in Reading at Advanced (compared with 2% of all students)

19% of 8th graders ranks in Reading at Proficient (compared with 33% of all students)

41% of 8th graders ranks in Reading at Basic (compared with 47% of all students)

39% of 8th graders ranks in Reading at Below Basic (compared with 17% of all students).

2% of 8th graders ranks in Math at Advanced (compared with 8% of all students)

12% of 8th graders ranks in Math at Proficient (compared with 33% of all students)

38% of 8th graders ranks in Math at Basic (compared with 40% of all students)

48% of 8th graders ranks in Match at Below Basic (compared with 19% of all students).



It’s clear from these bar graphs that more attention must be given to the Math and Reading portions in

all educational settings, including preschool activities.

High School Graduation Rates: Data from the U.S. Department of Education recently released Adjusted

Cohort Graduation Rate indicates low high school graduation rates for American Indian, Alaska Native

and Native Hawaiian communities. The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate is the number of

students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of

students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class. From the beginning of 9th grade (or

the earliest high school grade), students who are entering that grade for the first time form a cohort

that is “adjusted” by adding any students who

subsequently transfer into the cohort and

subtracting any students who subsequently transfer

out, emigrate to another country, or die. 2010-11

was the first year that states were required to use

the regulatory cohort rate, so prior year data are

not necessarily comparable to the 2010-11 rates.

From the information the achievement gap

between Native and Caucasian students remains as wide as ever. Between 2010-2011, South Dakota,

with a 12% AIAN student population, showed graduation rates for American Indian and Alaska Native

students at 49%. South Dakota’s rates for all students in the same time period and rate was 83%. The

Pine Ridge Reservation high school graduation rate average from 04-05 to 08-09 from BIE Report

Cards for Crazy Horse, Little Wound and Pine Ridge High Schools are:

04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

61% 53% 60% 49% 45%

Higher Education: According to the US Census, Shannon County shows that 78% of persons 25 and up between 2007 and 2011 are High School graduates. Compared to the South Dakota rate of nearly 90%. Those with Bachelor’s degrees in the same age group and year is at 13% for Shannon County compared with the state rate of nearly 26%. According to the US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, the Condition of Education 2011, it shows completion rates for first-time, full-time students who sought a bachelor's degree in the fall 2004 varied by race/ ethnicity. Asian/Pacific Islander students had the highest 6-year graduation rate (69 percent), followed by White students (62 percent), Hispanic students (50 percent), and Black and American Indian/Alaska Native students (39 percent each.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education program estimates that from 80% to 90% of Oglalas who

attend college off the reservation drop out.



Family Stability Indicators: According to the 2012 South Dakota Kids Count Factbook, TANF

participations continues to increase. Despite the efforts of welfare reform, based on aid being

contingent on job training and ultimately joining the workforce, number of families continue to

increase each year in both Shannon and Jackson counties. The numbers of families, recipients and

children on TANF increase, but the dollar amount per month per recipient goes down.

Shannon County Summary from Factbook:

Rates of TANF participation are increasing over a three year period, but benefit amount is decreasing

Rates of SNAP participation are increasing (1155 recipients added between 2010 and 2012), benefits have

stayed the same.

Rates of Juvenile Admissions to Drug and Alcohol treatment has increased by almost 20 juveniles between

2010 and 2012.

Health Indicators for 2011 seem have decreased when comparing them to the average between 2007-2011.

Children with diagnosed disability in the Shannon County school district (state funded) have increased



Bennett County Summary from Factbook:

Rates of TANF participation have decreased over a three year period, but benefit amount has increased.


increased by $2.

Rates of Juvenile Admissions to Drug and Alcohol treatment has decreased by almost 12 juveniles between

2010 and 2012.

Two health indicators for 2011 have increased (low birth weights) and Births to single teens when

comparing them to the average between 2007-2011, but women receiving prenatal care for 2011 has

decreased from the 5 year average significantly.

Children with diagnosed disability in the Bennett County school district (state funded) have decreased.



Jackson County Summary from Factbook:

Rates of TANF participation increased and decreased within the three year period, but benefit amount has

decreased by $9 since 2010.


increased by $4.

Rates of Juvenile Admissions to Drug and Alcohol treatment has decreased by more than half between 2010

and 2012.

One health indicator for 2011 increased (low birth weights), while Births to single teens has decreased

slightly and women receiving prenatal care has decreased when comparing it to the average between 2007-

2011.

Children with diagnosed disability in the Jackson County (Kadoka school) has decreased by 1 student.



South Dakota County Summary from Factbook:

Rates of TANF participation have decreased between 2011 and 2012, benefit amount has remained the

same.

Rates of SNAP participation have increased (6609 recipients added between 2010 and 2012), benefits have

remained the same between 2010 and 2011.

Rates of Juvenile Admissions to Drug and Alcohol treatment has decreased by almost 217 juveniles between

2010 and 2012.

Low Birth rates, infant mortality and teen violent death rates have decreased, while child death rate and

women receiving prenatal care has increased (when comparing them to the average between 2007-2011).

Children with diagnosed disability in the South Dakota has increased by 5 students making the total 17,825

student diagnosed with a disability statewide.

The factbook also puts a Fact Bulletin together of each state. South Dakota is ranked overall as 17, but there

are indicators that are getting worse for the states children including:

o Teens not in school and not working

o 4th graders not proficient in reading

o High school students not graduating on time

o Children in single parent homes.



Free and Reduced Lunch Program: Shannon, Bennett and Jackson County are in the top five of highest

percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunches through Child and Adult Nutrition Services,

South Dakota Department of Education indicated on the Kids Count data provided above. South

Dakota rate is 41%, Jackson County is the next highest at 59%, Bennett County is 72% and Shannon

County is 77%. This only takes into account those schools from the state funded school districts and

does not include any Tribal/BIE school systems.

The National Congress of American Indians recently posted information from the Ed Money Watch

using Census data on school districts’ total annual revenue and federal revenue for the 2009-10 school

year to calculate the percent of each district’s revenue made up of federal funds, as well as how much

each district stands to lose under a 8.2 percent cut. They then ranked which school districts would be

hit the hardest. The top 50 school districts that would be most affected by sequestration are almost all

Indian schools. Because schools rely heavily of federal funding these cuts would have a huge impact on

Indian schools. Shannon County was highlighted in the study and it relies on the federal government

for almost 68% of its annual revenue in 2010. If that funding were to be cut by 8.2 percent, Shannon

County would lose $1.5 million, or 5.6 percent of its $18.1 million in annual revenue. Shannon County

serves over 1,100 students, 98 percent of whom participate in Free and Reduced Price Lunch and 99

percent of whom identify as American Indian. The district receives nearly $5 million in Title I funding

for disadvantaged students and over $8 million in Impact

Housing: In order to bring a face to the housing crisis on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the tribe has

raised private funds and loaded a home onto a flatbed trailer for a road trip to the nations Capitol.

Built in the 60’s, the two bedroom house was home to up to 13 people at one time. “The Trail of HOPE

for Indian Housing 2013” is traveling the

1500 miles. When built, the house was

number 0006 and was one of the first

that was constructed in the Pine Ridge

village. Organizers are hoping that the

home will end up as part of the

Smithsonian exhibit to display the

housing conditions that exist on the

reservation, but the museum has

indicated there may not be room for the

addition. As part of the Trail of Hope

education, Paul Iron Cloud explains that

4,000 homes are needed to address the needs of the communities. Currently they only have 1,100. He

continues to remind the public of the treaties that promised to provide “for as long as the rivers flow

and the grass grows.”



During an August 2010 US Senate field hearing held in Rapid City found that housing shortages mixed

with high violence rates and gang activities “damage the fabric of society on the Pine Ridge Indian

Reservation in ways that demand more federal funding and reasoned cooperation from Washington,

D.C.” Paul Iron Cloud of the Oglala housing program estimated that the Pine Ridge reservation needs

at least 4,000 new housing units to catch up with demand. Senator Tim Johnson added “With Native

Americans twice as likely as the general population to live in poverty and three times more likely to live

in overcrowded housing conditions that carry health and safety risks, more must be done to address

inadequate housing”.

Raquel Rolnik (United Nations rapporteur) visited Pine Ridge Reservation in November 2009, where

Elders told her about the US violations of treaty obligations with them…one of them being housing.

According to a tribal housing report submitted to her, “reservation housing is ‘in a deplorable state’

with most of the government built homes ‘severely overcrowded’. As many as 20 or 25 people may

live in a three bedroom home with missing windows, broken walls, mold and other health-menacing

problems. On top of everything else, the reservation homelessness rate is estimated at an astounding

30 percent. The lack of fresh food and the lack of public transportation was also included in the report

on Pine Ridge. Even though the US spent $1 trillion for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, housing and

homelessness on Pine Ridge was ignored. In the same report, she observed the conditions in the

houses on the Reservation were the worst she’s seen during her mission, evidence of the urgent and

severe need for additional subsidized housing units there," states the report.

Transportation: In a summary report conducted in 2003 for the Federal Highway Administration by the

ICF Consulting, the study focused on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Cited as an

area with limited private economic activity and a transportation network that suffers from chronic

under funding of construction and maintenance needs (as determined by the Bureau of Indian Affairs).

The transportation conditions facing Pine Ridge Reservation do not currently support opportunities for

economic development. Specifically, the sub-system of the reservation transportation infrastructure

needs improvement in order to provide both efficient linkages to the regional system and internal

connectivity. Not only does the resulting lack of accessibility hinder residents' access to goods and

services, but also the ability of the area to realize the economic gains that improved accessibility can

support. This study establishes a framework for analyzing the linkages between transportation

investments and economic development by focusing the analysis on tourism, a key sector that offers

great potential for economic development and that is dependent on improvements to transportation

infrastructure. The study pursues a five-step approach that focuses on determining the transportation

needs of the tourism sector and evaluating the economic impacts of sector development that are

linked to highway investments.



Highway 18 travels across the reservation from east to

northwest and is the major artery. Other paved major

all-weather roads include S.D. 87, 29, and 75, and BIA 2,

27, 28, 40, and 41. Isolated homes and communities are

serviced by gravel roads. Most homes on the

reservation are inaccessible during periods of blizzards

or heavy rain. There is an approved paved landing strip

near the Pine Ridge community. In February 2009, a

new public transportation system, Oglala Sioux Transit,

began operation on February.

The bus system provides residents an alternative to hitchhiking and paying for rides to travel between

the nine districts, shopping and work. Costs for transport range from $1-$12 depending on the

distance traveled. Prices per ride or monthly passes can be purchased. There are fixed routes and also

rides available for separate pick-ups. Two cross reservation routes will take passengers between the

farthest west end and the east end near Wanblee with stops in between. Traveling in unreliable

vehicles, hitchhiking and paying high fuel costs are just some of the challenges in traveling on the

reservation. The largest route in Pine Ridge will have 15 stops to assist passengers for shopping and

tribal and government offices. Unplanned stops can also be made at the request of the rider.

Pine Ridge community, in the southwestern corner of the reservation, is the administrative

headquarters for the Service Unit, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Tribal Government, and state

agencies. Kyle, the approximate geographic center of the reservation, is the second largest community

and the headquarters for the Community College system. The third major community is Wanblee in the

extreme northeast corner of the reservation. Numerous small villages and settlements are scattered

throughout the reservation. The time it takes to travel from one site to another is based upon where

an individual is at and where their destination is. It takes approximately one to two hours of travel

from one side of the reservation to another, and this is only one way. Other variances also take part in

the time allotted due to road conditions.

Distance, weather conditions, and the lack of automobiles are the major deterrents to access at Pine

Ridge. Almost all travel is by private car, but not all residents have access to a car and must depend

upon friends or relatives for rides and in many cases most provide gas money in order to secure rides.

Many people are still walking to reach their destination, but the distance between communities and

weather conditions limits this activity.

Communication: KILI Radio (pronounced "KEE-lee") is the largest Indian-owned and operated public

radio station in America. They broadcast in English and Lakota 22 hours each day to homes on three

reservations in the Black Hills. Since 1983, KILI has been a lifeline of information for the Lakota people.

They have covered every tribal, state and federal election with live debates and in-depth



reviews. Now, KILI broadcasts live public hearings on important issues with Lakota interpreters so that

everyone can understand the impact of these issues on their lives. Amidst all the poverty and despair

on the Pine Ridge Reservation, KILI has been the “Voice of the Lakota Nation” and provides a form of

communication that reaches household both on and off reservation.

There are two local papers covering the events of Pine Ridge and other reservations. The Lakota

Country Times and Native Sun News that cover happenings on the Pine Ridge and surrounding

Reservations. Both are weekly publications. Indian Country Today Media also covers Pine Ridge, and is

but in the context of covering other reservations in the United States. It covers editorials and analysis

from the Native American perspective.

Utilities: Lakota Country Today reported in July 2012 that Low Income Energy Assistance Program

funding was going to be reduced for the 2013 funding cycle. According to an announcement released

by the SD Department of Social Services, the cut was to include 1.2 billion to LIEAP programs across the

nation and in 2012 South Dakota received $23.9 million in LIEAP funding from the federal government

which supported 25,600 South Dakota households. The SD portion of the 1.2 billion equates to 8.1

million for the state. This cut will dramatically impact families already living with the 3rd highest

poverty rate in the nation. Making matters more difficult is the funding formula that is used for tribal

residents compared with those that live off reservation. This is a discrepancy of benefits between the

two larger due to the funding formula remaining the same over the past 20 years (1994). The article

further goes on to state that the funding received by the state between 2006 to 2011 remained the

same at 2.2 million dollars annually. But the 2012 allocation was decreased by a half a million dollars

even though the families needing assistance increased in by almost 700 between 2006 and 2011.

Given the number of people living in poverty standing at 52.5%, $1.7 million will not go far to assist

those families during a winter that has experienced a significant amount of snow fall in the spring of

2013. It’s clear that Elders and families have a difficult time heating their homes given the number of

non-profits that are seeking donations to assist families on the Pine Ridge reservation.

What’s more disconcerting for the residents of Pine Ridge are the results of a recent study conducted

by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. It showed that the average U.S. consumer spends

about 11 percent of his/her monthly budget on energy costs, while low-income families spend up to 24

percent. The greatest costs fall upon the poorest families: those earning less than $10,000 a year spend

a staggering 78 percent on energy bills. While the need for LIHEAP funding is great, particularly during

the peak winter heating and summer cooling months, the average grant for 2011 will be only $308.

The number of Americans living in poverty has increased and has reached an all-time high (nationally)

of 15.1%. This pales in comparison to the reservation poverty rate of 52.5% in Shannon County alone.

Health: Diabetes - According to the Black Hills Knowledge Network, all of the state’s reservations

counties had obesity rates over 40% and adult’s diabetes rates at least 5% points above the statewide

http://www.lakotamall.com/allies/pineridgefacts.htm



average of 7%. Shannon County had a rate of 14.3% in 2009 in adults 20 years and older. Jackson is

12.1 and Bennett County 12.4. The report also indicates that the lower educational attainment, the

higher rate of diabetes in that population. The lower in the income bracket, the higher the rate of

diabetes. Those individuals aged 55 and up have higher incidences of diabetes and males have a

greater incidence rate than females.

Obesity in Preschoolers - A CDC fact sheet shows that 1 of 3 children are obese or overweight before

their 5th birthday. American Indian/Alaska Native children are burdened with the highest rates of

obesity at 20.7% for children aged 2 to 4 years old. In addition, since 2003, AIAN children are the only

group that has shown a significant increase in

obesity rates. Given the poverty rates of

children living on reservations, access to

healthy food choices and physical activity are

be limited. On the USDA website, it shows a

map of all the counties in the United States.

Children living in Shannon County are faced

with

19.02% rate of low access to stores;

12.57% of households with no car and

low access to store;

37.47% have low income and low access to store; and

47.69% of the total population has low access to store.

Oral Health In 2011, the WK Kellogg Foundation with conducted with the Center for American Indian

and Alaska Native Health Center Oral Health Research. The study assessed the oral health of the Pine

Ridge Oglala Lakota people, described a new oral health assessment tool for Indigenous people, and

suggested ways to improve Native oral health. A study team of dentists and dental hygienists

performed examinations of teeth and oral soft tissue for a convenience sample of 292 adults and

children. Screening personnel counted the number of decayed, filled, sealed, and total teeth; used

probes to measure periodontal disease; and screened for oral lesions. Half of the adults screened had

27 or fewer teeth. Sixteen percent of adults had at least one tooth with a pocket depth > 6mm.

Participants had higher numbers of decayed teeth (p<0.0001), and lower numbers of filled teeth

(p<0.0001) than those reflected in Indian Health Service (IHS) cross-tribe aggregated data from 1999.

Among Oglala Lakota people of Pine Ridge, the study documented a high prevalence of caries and

periodontal disease, numerous people with missing teeth, and many unmet dental needs. Future

studies of oral health-related behaviors and access to oral health care are needed to explain the

dental, periodontal, and soft tissue problems that adversely affect the Oglala Lakota tribe.



Mental Health: A fact sheet produced by the National Alliance on Mental Illness-American Indian and

Alaska Native Communities Mental Health details the challenges of residents living in American Indian

communities:

Compared to the general population, AI/AN individuals tend to underutilize mental health services, have higher therapy “dropout” rates, and are less likely to respond to treatment.

Living in a stressful environment has potentially negative mental health consequences.

In the Northern Plains study, 61 percent of the children had experienced a traumatic event.

The American Indian and Alaska Native population reports higher rates of frequent distress than the general population.

In a study of Northern Plains youth, of those diagnosed with any depressive disorder 60 percent also had substance disorders.

The prevalence of suicide is a strong indication of the necessity of mental health services in the AI/AN community.

Suicide rates are particularly high among Native American males ages 15-24, who account for 64 percent of all suicides by AI/AN individuals.

Tobacco Use: The American Lung Association grades states in four

categories as it relates to tobacco use. Additional highlights are provided as

to the state smoking rate and economic cost due to smoking. South

Dakota’s report card was given in F for prevention and a D in cessation

efforts. Middle school smoking rates is at 6.1% and high school smoking rate

is higher than the adult smoking rate. CDC links tobacco to more than 1000

deaths in SD each year. Although SD adult smokers have decreased from a

peak of 27 in 1998 (it’s 17.5%), Shannon County has the highest rate at 47%

with remaining counties hovering around 20%.



SECTION 3 – Oglala Lakota College Head Start/Early Head Start Program

Enrollment – 2010 through 2012

As reported in the Program Information Reports submitted to Office of Head Start via the online system, Head Start Enterprise System, Oglala Lakota College is funding for 611 slots. In the past three years of reporting for 2010, 2011 and 2012:

Funded enrollment for children has remained at 611

Funded enrollment for pregnant women averages 21

Center based services have been provided to 590 children on average

There have been 31 classes in operation

Cumulative enrollment has increased by 132 students between 2010 and 2012

Head Start preschool children enrollment has averaged 581 children

Early Head Start infant and Toddler enrollment has averaged 106 children

The average children by age o Less than 1 year old 65 o 1 year old 85 o 2 years old 102 o 3 years old 183 o 4 years old 233 o 5 years old 77

Average # Pregnant Women 37

Average of income eligible 462

Average of public assistant 140

Average of foster children 11

Average of homeless children 23

Average of over income 64

Average of 2nd year students 200

Average of 3rd year students 69

Dropped out, no reenrollment 134

Enrolled less than 45 days 47 Conclusions:

The number of foster children and homeless children has gone up considerably between 2011 and 2012.

Over income enrollment is right at 10% on average

The number of children that dropped and did not re-enroll increase from 46 children between 2011 and 2012.

107 children transitioned into kindergarten at the end of 2012

12 children aged out of EHS and entered HS services

57% of the babies born to EHS enrolled prenatal mothers were enrolled in the program (4 of 7 during 2012)

99% of the children enrolled were listed as AIAN



All but one student enrolled listed English as their primary language Two buses were purchased and 23 were owned by OLC in 2012

Staff Qualification

Conclusions:

o Employment of AIAN staff has increased to 100% employed

o Languages spoken by staff increased significantly between 2010 and 2012

o Turnover rate has remained fairly steady and 4 of the 7 in 2012 that left listed their reason as

compensation and two listed as changing fields.

OLC has graduated 108 Associates and Bachelors in Early Childhood in the past 8 years. 151 Additional

educators in the Elementary Education programs have completed their degrees in the same time

period, almost all of whom work in the Pine Ridge Reservation schools. OLC provides coursework and

training in line with the Head Start programs requirements for teachers to get Associates degrees and

now Bachelor’s degrees. We have over 100 students majoring in Early Childhood Education. In 2005

the Oglala Sioux Tribe asked us to take over the operation of the Early Head Start and Head Start

programs on the Reservation so now we can do an even more effective job of education and follow-up.

The following chart shows the Oglala Lakota College student enrollment trends 2006 to present.

Although the number of students enrolled has dropped since 2010, the number of students receiving

their Early Childhood degrees in Associates and Bachelors program. The Bachelors program has

Head Start Staff: 2012-2013

MA: BA/BS: AA: In

Progress: CDA: HS/GED: Total:

Teacher 0 7 17 0 4 0 28

Teacher Assistant 0 1 2 0 14 2 19

Cook 0 0 1 5 1 8 15

Bus Driver 0 1 2 0 0 8 11

Family Helper 1 4 5 2 0 0 12

Administration 2 3 1 1 0 4 11

Staffing 2012 PIR 2011 PIR 2010 PIR

Racial, ethnic, tribal composition

100% 92% 95%

Languages spoken 48% 49% 6%

Turnover rate 6 4 7



significantly increased and this is also evident in the number of teachers previously that are employed

with the program.

Fall 06 Fall 07 Fall 08 Fall 09 Fall 10 Fall 11 Fall 12

Enrolled 1485 1501 1531 1804 1830 1688 1589

Indian Students 1351 1357 1373 1636 1704 1586 1500

Male 472 443 477 543 575 565 544

Female 1013 1058 1054 1261 1255 1123 1045

Full Time Equivalent 1137 1141 1179 1422 1416 1393 1286

Entering Freshman 244 360 234 261 368 218 252

Seniors 231 240 227 252 204 251 233

Graduate Students 44 39 52 77 78 58 24

Average Age 30 31 31 32 31 21 31

MA 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

BS/BA 8 10 5 1 7 3 14

AA/AAS 36 43 42 40 45 45 49

Certificates 106 80 80 65 87 127 108

Endorsements 157 35 28 26 16 28 7

Graduates 16 5 0 0 0 0 0

166 173 155 132 155 203 178

2005-2009

2010 2011 2012 Totals

AA in Early Childhood 39 26 15 14 94

AA Elementary Education 51 2 16 9 78

BA in Early Childhood 0 1 2 11 14

BS K-8 Elementary Ed 46 12 10 5 73

BS K-12 Lakota Studies Ed 3 1 2 1 7

BS Business Education 0 0 0 0 0

Certificates in K-12 Spec Ed 0 0 0 0 0

Endorsement in ECH SPEd 7 0 0 0 7

MA Educational Adm 22 0 1 3 26

Oglala Lakota College is also proud of the graduates’ unemployment rate of just 9.6 %. This is a major

accomplishment given the competitiveness for jobs and the lack of access of Indian Affairs Labor Force

Report 2005 had an unemployment rate of over 80% and the Pickering study (2005) said 40% of people

who want to or can work are unemployed. OLC is a major producer of not only teachers, but nurses.

The employment/unemployment rate of OLC graduates follows the national trend that shows the

more education a person has, the less likely he/she is unemployed.



Degree Employed

On Res

Employed

Off Res

Not

Employed

Retired,

Student, or

Deceased

Total

MA 57 (77%) 7 (9.4%) 2 (2.7%) 8 (10.8%) 74 (99.9%)

BS/BA/BSW 374 62.75%) 92 (15.4%) 46 (7.7%) 84 (14.1%) 596 99.95%)

AA 374 (55.7%) 57 (8.5%) 59 (8.8%) 181 (27.0) 671 (100%)

AAS 85 (59.4%) 17 (11.9%) 21 (14.7%) 20 (14.0%) 143 (100%)

Certificate 60 (48.0%) 3 (2.4%) 27 (21.6%) 35 (28.0%) 125 (100%)

Total 950 (59.0%) 176 (11.0%) 155 (9.6%) 328 (20.4%) 1,609 100%)

Health Services Conclusions:

o 97% of children had accessible health care at enrollment in 2012.

o 79% of children were seen at I.H.S at enrollment in 2012

o 15% of children were overweight at enrollment in 2012

o 21% of children were obese at enrollment in 2012

o Between 2011 and 2012, the number of children up to date on their immunizations at

enrollment went down significantly (from 96% to 79%)

o 96% of children had accessible dental care at enrollment

o 82% of Head Start children received dental preventative care and 69% received a complete oral

examination.

o 52% of children were diagnosed as needing dental treatment; 15% of these children received it.

These numbers were significantly higher between 2011 and 2012.

o 82% of EHS children received dental exams

Disabilities Services Conclusions:

o The number of children on an IEP in 2012 significantly decreased between 2011 and 2012. Only

3% of children served through OLC Head Start were on an IEP and over 60% of these were

determined eligible for services prior to enrollment.

o 12% of EHS children were on a IFSP and 40% of these were determined eligible prior to

enrollment year.

o The number of LEAs with collaboration agreements had increased steadily over the three year

period and stands at 10 to date.



Family Services Conclusions:

o 48% of families enrolled are from two parent homes, remaining 52% are from single parent

homes

o 12% of families have both parents working. This has increased from 2010 and 2011.

o 20% of families have one parent employed

o 15% of families have both parents unemployed

o 15% of families are receiving TANF benefits and 4% are receiving SSI benefits

o 46% received WIC Benefits (up from 2011 by 39 families)

o 39% received SNAP benefits

o 5% both parents are in training in school

o 11% one parent in training

o 4% of parents have an advanced or bachelor degree

o 33% have an associate, vocational school or some college (increased by 35 parents between

2011 and 2012)

o 25% have high school diploma

o 21% have less than high school

o Children with participating families have increased significantly from the previous reporting

year.

o 31% of families received at least one family service. This is significantly highly that what was

reported in 2010 and 2011.

o 23% of these families received adult education

o 36% of these families received job training

o 10% of these families received health education

o 31% of these families received parent education

o 9% of the families served were homeless, this increased significantly since the last reporting

year

o 9% of children served were homeless, this increased significantly since the last reporting year

o 23% of homeless families acquired housing, another increase from 2011.

o 1% of children served were foster care placement



SECTION 4 – Ratings of OLC Head Start/Early Head Start Program

During the 2012-2013 school year, the program initiated a reservation wide Community Assessment

survey. All districts and centers were involved in notifying communities of the online survey. There

were three different surveys distributed: Agency, Family and Staff.

Agency results – 12 surveys collected from 5 of the 9 districts representing Head Start, Library, College

Center and Health service. Partner agencies that Head Start regularly collaborates with and who

support the program were asked to complete a short survey requesting information as they

understand the community and their own services to residents of Pine Ridge. A review of the surveys

was completed and these were some trends that were a result of their answers.

73% responded they have seen an increase in low income families contacting their agency;

64% responded they have seen an increase in multi-generational families they serve;

67% has seen no change in jobs available across the reservation, but 27% report an increase

58% have seen an increase in alcohol/drug abuse on Pine Ridge

58% reported an increase in homelessness

50% have seen an increase in transportation needs.

Respondents answered what their strengths were working with families:

Good Teachers

Accessibility and outreach

Higher education

Agreements with local and stakeholders

Needs/Obstacles

Transportation (60% reported this as an issue)

Networking among resources

Health referrals to services they are unable to provide

Confidence and ability to change behaviors

Income guidelines

Main Issues facing families

33% of respondents stated that alcohol and substance abuse were the issue

Another 30% state lack of employment and economic opportunities

Health Issues

50% of respondents mentioned Nutrition related issues of Obesity, diabetes, exercise, diet in

their responses.

Additional comments:

Lack of resources



Family results – 110 surveys collected from all 9 districts. 62% of respondents were mothers; 20%

grandparents and 15% guardian and 12% father. A review of the surveys was completed and these

were some trends that were a result of their answers.

Respondents were most impacted by Housing, death of family member and unemployment

(about 30% equally responded to these three topics) with other replies include alcohol/drug

abuse, divorce, new job, homeless.

73% of responders stated that alcohol/drug abuse has not affected their family. 13% has been

impacted by arrest and 11% by death of family member.

73% have had someone in their family deal with diabetes; another 42% have been impacted by

Asthma and high blood pressure, respectively and 19% cancer

Although most respondents stated that the parent/child relationship was “very healthy”

between mother and child; child relationships with father were equally distributed as very

health, could improve and 26% responding unhealthy.

64% of children are cared for by family members when parent is working or attending school;

while 51% stated that Head Start is the provider. Only 7.5% responded that OST Day Care of

other Child Care provided this service

87% responded that they have volunteered though parent meetings; 22% volunteered for

special events and 13% during field trips.

90% responded that EDUCATION services is most important in regards to their child’s Head

Start experience; 72% responded SOCIALIZATION and 60% ENVIRONMENT.

55% felt that Parent Involvement could be improved in the Head Start program; 38% felt

Teaching/TA could be improved and 30% felt Parent/Teacher conference needed improvement.

In the comment section of this question, 4 parents

listed transportation as an issue needing

improvement.

98% were satisfied with services offered; less than 2%

said no.

97% were satisfied with the # of days per week

offered; less than 3% said no.

97% were satisfied with the education their child is

receiving; less than 3% said no

When asked what suggestions they have to help improve the program; 44 responds were

collected and more than a quarter of them stated that parent participation/involvement;

another 20% stated that transportation and back up drivers were needed.

Additional services to better meet the needs of families: 20% want parent involvement to

improve; 10% requested transportation improvements; 5% want more cultural activities and

5% would like the day extended to at least 3pm.

I loved that my son brought home

Lakota/English books on his first day.

My child loves to go to school, he likes

riding the bus. I think this program get

them ready for elementary and gives

them the experience they will have to

know going into the bigger school.

--Parents, 2013 Survey



Staff results – 108 surveys collected from all 9 districts. 34% teachers; 18% food service; 14% teacher

aides; 14% family workers; 10% drivers; 3% managers/administration. A review of the surveys were

completed and these were some trends that were a result of their answers.

A majority of staff did not feel that there was a change in multi-generational families, but 35%

felt that there was an increase.

Half of respondents felt there was no change in teen pregnancies, but 41% felt there was an

increase

62% said there was no change in licensed child care providers.

53% felt there was an increase in unemployment, while 40% stated no change

60% stated an increase in drug abuse in the community while 40% state no change

66% felt there was an increase in alcohol abuse, while 33% stated no change

Equal respondents to the homelessness question: 48% stated increase and 48% stated no

change.

69% felt there was an increase in transportation needs/issues

Strengths of OLC Head Start: 21%-working with children and providing educational services;

17%-providing safe and health learning environments; 12%-Parent/family involvement

Obstacles of Head Start:

Overwhelmingly, 71% of the staff felt that parent involvement was the biggest obstacle working

with families; 8% felt transportation was an issue.

Biggest health issue facing children: 31% felt that head lice was the biggest health issue; 27%

listed dental; 15% listed common colds/flu and 10% listed obesity/nutrition issues.

27% felt that more information/education/training is needed for parents; 7% transportation

was at issue and 4% felt EHS services were needed in their community.



SECTION 5 – Strengths

The strengths detailed in the surveys are listed by respondents:

Agency surveys identified their strengths in

were working with families:

Good Teachers

Accessibility and outreach

Higher education

Agreements with local and

stakeholders

Family surveys identified the following satisfaction with services:

98% were satisfied with services

offered;

97% were satisfied with the # of days

per week offered;

97% were satisfied with the education their child is receiving.

Staff surveys identified the following as strengths within the program:

21%-working with children and providing educational services;

17%-providing safe and health learning environments;

12%-Parent/family involvement

Grantee strengths: Oglala Lakota College is a proven leader, change agent and advocate for all students on the Pine Ridge

Reservation. The programs are tailored to build and empower members from within the community.

Looking at the graduation rates of staff working for Head Start and the increase in teachers moving

beyond the AA in Early Childhood to the four year program reinforces the impact the college has on

the communities served. Given the health and educational disparities on Pine Ridge, OLC helps to

combat that with educated professionals living and working on Pine Ridge, in service to their families

and communities.

OLC began a Masters in Lakota Leadership and Management: Education Administration that

produced state endorsed principals. Since then we have graduated 45 principals and 90% are

employed in schools with majority Indian students on North and South Dakota reservations.

OLC has graduated 119 teachers in the past 10 years almost all of whom work in the Pine Ridge

Reservation schools. We also have graduated 178 education associates degrees.



OLC provides coursework and training in line with the Head Start programs requirements for

teachers to get Associates degrees and now Bachelor’s degrees. We have over 100 students

majoring in Early Childhood Education.

OLC has graduated 90 Nurses through our AA in Nursing. Over 90% of our graduates pass the N-

CLEX nursing exam to become Registered Nurses and 50% of the nurses on the Pine Ridge

Reservation are our graduates. Our graduates also serve the hospitals, clinics and nursing

homes in surrounding rural towns of SD and Nebraska.

OLC has provides a vast majority of the administrative workers for the Oglala Sioux Tribe

through our business, technology and other degrees and certificates in areas such as Office

Technology, Management Information Systems , and Business Computers. We have graduated

over 400 people in these areas in the past 10 years.

OLC offers business and entrepreneurship courses and degrees and work closely with The

Lakota Fund (small business loans) and the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce. We

included applicable training such as the CORE IV into our introductory business courses to align

with TLF training. The Chamber estimates that the number of Pine Ridge Reservation based

businesses has increased from 100 to 200 in the past 10 years.

OLC has graduated over 320 Bachelors and Associates in Human Services and Social Work in the

past 10 years and these people provide workers in the myriad human services programs on the

Reservation operated by the Tribe, state and federal government.



SECTION 6. Conclusions

The Communitywide Strategic Planning and Needs Assessment (as it is referred to in the Head Start Act will be compiled and used as a blueprint to guide services to children, families and community partners.

Some conclusions based on the information provided:

According to the Census 2010, the U.S. population grew by 9.7 percent, but in comparison, the

population of AIAN alone increased almost twice as fast.

The poverty levels for families with children five years and younger is increasing; TANF and

SNAP participation is increasing; and Shannon County is still the 3rd poorest county in the

nation;

The graduation rate for AIAN high school students continues to go down—the dropout rate for

AIAN students is increasing--the gap is widening in both indicators.

4th and 8th grade testing in Reading and Math still places at a huge disadvantage to their

counterparts;

There is still a housing issue on Pine Ridge 1100 currently existing—4000 more are needed.

More families are listed themselves as homeless according to the HS PIR;

Federal funding cuts are hitting the poorest members the hardest (LIHEAP cuts, sequestration

are ongoing issues that will have huge impacts on Pine Ridge) and community providers are

seeing an increased in families requesting assistance;

Health disparities are increasing with AIAN children have the highest rates of obesity at almost

21% and at a greater risk with a diabetic diagnosis as they age; HS PIR results show that 36% of

children were overweight or obese at enrollment;

In 2013, based on the findings collected by families, community providers and staff, they concerns included:

AGENCY FINDINGS Needs/Obstacles/Issues

FAMILY FINDINGS Improvements Needed at HS

STAFF FINDINGS Needs/Obstacles/Issues

1. Transportation 1. Parent Involvement 1. Parent Involvement

2. Nutrition (Diabetes and Obesity)

2. Transportation 2. Communicable diseases

3. Alcohol and Substance Abuse

3. Culture 3. Obesity/Nutrition

Based on the findings collected through research and statistical information for this community

assessment provided by local, regional and national sources, the following conclusions have been

determined to be needs to focus for this Community assessment time frame.



CITATION LISTING:

Head Start Enterprise System – OLC Program Information Report 2012

Oglala Lakota Nation website: http://www.oglalalakotanation.org/oln/History.html

Shannon County poverty: http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/nation-s-top-three-poorest-counties-in-western-south-dakota/article_2d5bb0bc-44bf-11e1-bbc9-0019bb2963f4.html

Lakota Language: http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-preserving-lakota-language-important/article_579858e5-3aa2-5945-88d5-9e03d176ab4c.html

Economic Development: http://www.lakotafunds.org/econresurgence.htm

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/article/economic-development-revs-up-on-pine-ridge-reservation-120503#ixzz1yvSZF71w

Shannon County Quick Facts: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/46/46113.html

Wounded Knee Land sale: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/us/wounded-knee-site-for-sale-stirring-controversy.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Reservation Demographics: http://www.sdtribalrelations.com/new/tribalstatprofiles/oststatprofile2011.pdf

Housing: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_4325a19a-b074-11df-98a0-001cc4c03286.html

Transportation: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/economic_development/technical_and_analytical/pineridge.cfm

Education, State of South Dakota: http://indianeducation.sd.gov/documents/IEhighden.pdf

Free and Reduced Lunches: Kids Count and NCAI http://files.ncai.org/broadcasts/2012/October/Education%20Newsletter%20-%20September%2027.pdf http://edmoney.newamerica.net/blogposts/2012/sequestration_will_mean_significant_cuts_for_needy_school_districts-71386

Lakota Mall - http://www.lakotamall.com/about

Kids Count Factbook - https://www.usd.edu/business/south-dakota-kids-count/upload/State_County_data2012.pdf

Digest of Education Statistics: http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d09/tables/dt09_106.asp

LIHEAP: http://www.lakotacountrytimes.com/news/2012-07-11/Headlines/Low_Income_Energy_Assistance_Program_funding_to_be.html and http://www.supportliheap.org/Documents/LIHEAP.pdf

SD Department of Health: http://doh.sd.gov/statistics/2008Vital/HealthStatusByCounty.pdf

SD Study on Tobacco Use: http://doh.sd.gov/tobacco/PDF/Medicaid05.pdf

Rapid City Journal-Language: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_af1f45e2-b1df-11df-8b0d-001cc4c002e0.html

National Center for Education Statistics: http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=40

Graduation Rates: http://eddataexpress.ed.gov/state-report.cfm/state/SD/

http://www.oglalalakotanation.org/oln/History.html

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/nation-s-top-three-poorest-counties-in-western-south-dakota/article_2d5bb0bc-44bf-11e1-bbc9-0019bb2963f4.html

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/nation-s-top-three-poorest-counties-in-western-south-dakota/article_2d5bb0bc-44bf-11e1-bbc9-0019bb2963f4.html

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-preserving-lakota-language-important/article_579858e5-3aa2-5945-88d5-9e03d176ab4c.html

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-preserving-lakota-language-important/article_579858e5-3aa2-5945-88d5-9e03d176ab4c.html

http://www.lakotafunds.org/econresurgence.htm



http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/46/46113.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/us/wounded-knee-site-for-sale-stirring-controversy.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/us/wounded-knee-site-for-sale-stirring-controversy.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.sdtribalrelations.com/new/tribalstatprofiles/oststatprofile2011.pdf

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_4325a19a-b074-11df-98a0-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_4325a19a-b074-11df-98a0-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/economic_development/technical_and_analytical/pineridge.cfm

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/economic_development/technical_and_analytical/pineridge.cfm

http://indianeducation.sd.gov/documents/IEhighden.pdf

http://files.ncai.org/broadcasts/2012/October/Education%20Newsletter%20-%20September%2027.pdf

http://files.ncai.org/broadcasts/2012/October/Education%20Newsletter%20-%20September%2027.pdf

http://edmoney.newamerica.net/blogposts/2012/sequestration_will_mean_significant_cuts_for_needy_school_districts-71386

http://edmoney.newamerica.net/blogposts/2012/sequestration_will_mean_significant_cuts_for_needy_school_districts-71386

http://www.lakotamall.com/about

https://www.usd.edu/business/south-dakota-kids-count/upload/State_County_data2012.pdf

https://www.usd.edu/business/south-dakota-kids-count/upload/State_County_data2012.pdf

http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d09/tables/dt09_106.asp

http://www.lakotacountrytimes.com/news/2012-07-11/Headlines/Low_Income_Energy_Assistance_Program_funding_to_be.html

http://www.lakotacountrytimes.com/news/2012-07-11/Headlines/Low_Income_Energy_Assistance_Program_funding_to_be.html

http://www.supportliheap.org/Documents/LIHEAP.pdf

http://doh.sd.gov/statistics/2008Vital/HealthStatusByCounty.pdf

http://doh.sd.gov/tobacco/PDF/Medicaid05.pdf

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_af1f45e2-b1df-11df-8b0d-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_af1f45e2-b1df-11df-8b0d-001cc4c002e0.html

http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=40

http://eddataexpress.ed.gov/state-report.cfm/state/SD/