Gambell School

Gambell School, also known as the Hugo T. Apatiki School, is a K-12 school in Gambell, Alaska. It is a part of the Bering Strait School District.

The campus of the Gambell School includes one prefabricated building with a gymnasium and two classroom wings.[1]

History

As of 2013 it had about 200 students. By 2013 the school received a $1 million grant from the federal government's School Improvement Grant (SIG).[1]

Academic performance

In 2003 20% of the students were proficient in Alaska state reading tests. In 2011 the percentage increased to 43.[1]

From 2003 to 2013 the attendance rate declined; many students who needed to work to support the families felt stymied by an increase in the school year and school day that was mandated by the federal government. As of 2013 the attendance rate was 85%. Rates of students graduating from school decreased during the same period.[1]

Curriculum

As of 2013 the curriculum heavily emphasizes mathematics and reading due to influences from the SIG grant, with daily emphasis on each taking up two blocks. As of that year it uses the "Success for All" teaching program and other programs used to raise test scores.[1]

Teaching staff

As of 2013 the administrative staff and the head teachers were White Americans; a lack of local Alaska natives with university educations meant that the school district recruited staff from the Lower 48. Each class had a teacher's aide who was Yupik.[1]

Culture

The school owns trophy cases housing Alaska Native artifacts including artwork, carving, clothing, and tools.[1]

References
  1. Garland, Sarah (2013-03-01). "In remote Alaskan villages, teachers struggle to make school meaningful". The Hechinger Report. Retrieved 2017-02-14. - Also published in The Atlantic


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