Native American Education Over the years, minority groups have long endured repression, poverty, and discrimination. A great example of such a group is the Native Americans. For decades they have been deprived of their land and their basic way of life, almost incessantly. Although they were the true “natives” of the land, they were driven out by the government and forced to assimilate into the white man's lifestyle. Unfortunately, the persecution of the natives was based primarily on the prevailing greed for money and power. This past prevented Native Americans from preserving their culture as many were denied the right to speak their native language and dress in traditional clothing. Because of this cultural expulsion, among other things, the ancestral identities of Native Indians have withered. Until recently there has not been much improvement in their social position, economic situation and educational progress. It just so happens that Native American students in the state of Nebraska statistically score among the lowest in the nation. However, despite their history of cultural repression and violence, some Native American reservations have improved their educational success. Through innovative teaching techniques and a full understanding of Native American culture, school systems have improved in various places across the nation. These model academic programs can pave the way for further progress in struggling areas like Nebraska. There are many factors that contributed to the simultaneous academic struggle with Native Americans. The government's Americanization efforts directly repressed their culture and identity through Indian boarding schools. There were rules invoked such as cutting the h...... of the children in the center of the paper......es." Interview by Diane W. Dunne. Education World: The educator's best friend. Education World. Web. March 24, 2010. Native American Tribal Leaders, Writers, Scholars, and Storytellers: Voices of Indian America National Geographic Society, 2004. 173. Pritzker, M. Barry Native America Today: A Guide to Community Politics and Culture Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 1999. 23-25. “The Dawes Act: 1887.” Nebraska Studies. March 24, 2010. “The Reservation System: Native American Lands Sold Under the Dawes Act.” Web. March 22, 2010. "The Trail of Tears - Cherokee Indians Forcibly Removed from North Georgia".. 2010. .