American Indian Education: A History

by Jon Reyhner, Jeanne Eder

In this comprehensive history of American Indian education in the United States from colonial times to the present, historians and educators Jon Reyhner and Jeanne Eder explore the broad spectrum of Native experiences in missionary, government, and tribal boarding and day schools. This up-to-date survey is the first one-volume source for those interested in educational reform policies and missionary and government efforts to Christianize and “civilize” American Indian children.

Drawing on firsthand accounts from teachers and students, American Indian Education considers and analyzes shifting educational policies and philosophies, paying special attention to the passage of the Native American Languages Act and current efforts to revitalize Native American cultures.

 

Genres: History, Indigenous

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2006

Reviews

[Sammy Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to find this book as certainly few of its kind exist. I found this text to be an extremely helpful contextual piece in its attempt to build a comprehensive volume detailing the atrocious policy making and attitudes of Euroamerican sensibilities toward American Indians. It's an ambitious project, and while it isn't perfect, represents an excellent source for many to utilize as a spring board for further exploration. It can be a bit clunky at times, and I would have preferred to hear more Indigenous voices in the volume, yet the objective of the text is admirably faced as a solid contribution toward a discipline that deserves more attention, dialogue, scholarship, and representation in mainstream education and culture.

[Heather MacCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book that details the history of American Indian education. Thank you for such a wonderful book, Rehyner and Eder. You have written a book that anyone, layman to expert, will enjoy.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat episodic or disjointed, with less of a big picture, overall perspective than I'd hoped for. Still, lots of useful information, clearly presented. Includes a lot about actual classroom pedagogy, which isn't what I was looking for but would probably be really helpful for some readers.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of American Indian education.

[Allison6876 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for AMIN 3201W paper