Paired Texts > Behind The Native American Achievement Gap

by Celeste Headlee 2012

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The Plymouth Thanksgiving Story
The Plymouth Thanksgiving Story
Chuck Larsen

Native American author Chuck Larsen adds key details that are missing from story of the "First Thanksgiving."

Pair “The Plymouth Thanksgiving Story” with “Behind the Native American Achievement Gap” and ask students to compare how the story of Thanksgiving is usually taught in schools with how it is depicted in the text. How might this negatively impact Native American students’ experiences in school?

6th Grade Essay 1000L
How Native Students Can Succeed In College: 'Be As Tough As The Land That Made You'
How Native Students Can Succeed In College: 'Be As Tough As The Land That Made You'
Claudio Sanchez

In "How Native Students Can Succeed in College: 'Be As Tough As The Land That Made You'," Claudio Sanchez discusses the obstacles Native American students face regarding college and how one particular program has helped.

Pair “Behind the Native American Achievement Gap” with “How Native Students Can Succeed in College” and ask students to further discuss the obstacles Native Americans face when seeking an education. How can the information provided in the text “Behind The Native American Achievement Gap” shed more light on why Native American students struggle to attend college?

8th Grade Informational Text 940L
American Indian School a Far Cry from the Past
American Indian School a Far Cry from the Past
Charla Bear

In "American Indian School a Far Cry from the Past," Charla Bear discusses how Native American boarding schools today, specifically Sherman Indian High School, differ from boarding schools of the past.

Pair “Behind The Native American Achievement Gap” with “American Indian School a Far Cry from the Past” and ask students to identify the struggles that Native American students often face in America. Teachers may also ask students to determine what policy makers should do moving forward to ensure that Native American students receive a competitive education.

9th Grade Informational Text 1050L
'Those Kids Never Got to Go Home'
'Those Kids Never Got to Go Home'
Jeff Gammage, from Philly.com

In "Those Kids Never Got to Go Home," the article discusses recent pleas from the Rosebud Sioux nation to reclaim the remains of former students of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

Pair “Those Kids Never Got to Go Home” with “Behind the Native American Achievement Gap” to provide students with additional information regarding the Native American boarding schools Anton Treuer discusses. What additional examples does the article “Those Kids Never Got to Come Home” provide to reinforce the idea that past forced assimilation continues to impact Native American communities?

10th Grade News 1060L
UN Explores Native American Rights In U.S.
UN Explores Native American Rights In U.S.
Michel Martin

In "UN Explores Native American Rights in U.S.," Michel Martin interviews S. James Anaya about his UN report, which details how indigenous people are living in the United States today, and about his ideas on how their quality of life can be improved.

Pair “Behind the Native American Achievement Gap” with “UN Explores Native American Rights in US” and ask students to discuss how Native Americans’ academic performance is related to S. James Anaya’s report. How are Native American students' performances in school affected by their access to certain rights?

11th Grade Interview 1160L
Stories Saved My Life, and That's Why I Write for Young People
Stories Saved My Life, and That's Why I Write for Young People
James Bird

In "Stories Saved My Life, and That's Why I Write for Young People," James Bird, a screenwriter, director, and author describes his journey growing up and feeling "different."

“Pair Stories Saved My Life, and That’s Why I Write for Young People” with “Behind the Native American Achievement Gap” and ask students to discuss how Bird’s education was affected by the Native American Achievement Gap. How has our education system failed Bird and other Native American youth?

8th Grade Informational Text 730L