Summary:
The Whiteriver Unified District in Arizona is home to three elementary schools that serve a predominantly Native American student population. While the schools have higher-than-average spending per student and relatively low student-teacher ratios, they consistently underperform compared to state averages in academic proficiency, particularly in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
The three schools in the district - Seven Mile School, Whiteriver Elementary, and Cradleboard School - have student populations that are 97% to 98% Native American, with very low percentages of white students. These schools also serve a high-poverty student population, with free and reduced lunch rates ranging from 68.8% to 92.76%.
Despite the higher spending and lower student-teacher ratios, the academic performance at these schools is significantly below the state averages. For example, in 5th grade English Language Arts, the schools scored between 3% and 10% proficient, compared to the state average of 37%. Similarly, in 5th grade Mathematics, the schools scored between 9% and 20% proficient, compared to the state average of 36%. These consistently low test scores across multiple grade levels and subject areas suggest that the Whiteriver Unified District faces significant challenges in providing a high-quality education to its students.
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