Assessing Navajo Psychological and Educational Needs in New Mexico

Abstract

American Indians have a disproportionately high incidence of social and health problems which impact on education. Further, there are many American Indian tribes that represent a wide range of cultural differences and belief systems. The Navajo Tribe represents the largest concentration of American Indians in the nation. This paper highlights one school district in Western New Mexico, the Gallup McKinley School District (geographically the largest in the U.S. with 73% American Indian, mostly Navajo) and analyzes the overall needs of Navajo Indian children and youth, and their families. The article explores specific Navajo acculturation variables creating culture conflict, problems affecting the community, test results, interpretation issues resulting in inappropriate placement decisions and the profile of the high-risk Navajo child based on research data. It concludes with specific recommendations for interviewing, testing, and counseling.

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