What Does the Bureau of Indian Education Do?

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) provides high-quality, culturally relevant education to American Indian and Alaska Native students through operating and funding K-12 schools, postsecondary institutions, and supporting various educational programs and services. The Bureau of Indian Education is overseen by the Director of the BIE, who operates under the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Indian education system is controlled by the Bureau of Indian Education in collaboration with tribal governments, which operate many of the schools and educational programs under the BIE's funding and guidelines.

The BIE provides education services to 45,000 students, with an average daily membership of 40,000 students in 23 States, 169 elementary and secondary schools, and 14 dormitories.

Who Funds the Bureau of Indian Education?

The BIE is funded by the United States Federal Government. The funding comes from the appropriations made by Congress as part of the federal budget. BIE funds are applicable to the entire country. They are designated to support educational services for American Indian and Alaska Native students across the United States. It operates schools and provides funding to tribally operated schools located on reservations and in Native communities throughout the country. Any school or educational program that serves Native American students and meets BIE criteria can apply for and receive funding.

The 2024 budget for the Operation of Indian Education Programs account is $1.2 billion, providing resources for BIE’s core mission to support bureau-operated and tribally controlled schools and administering grants to Tribal institutions of higher education. 

Key Areas of BIE Funding

BIE funding supports classroom instruction, student transportation, Native language development programs, gifted and talented programs, behavioral health and wellness services, school safety, security, and education technology investments. In some schools—mostly in remote sites—funding also supports residential costs.

• K-12 Education: Funds are allocated to operate and support 169 elementary and secondary schools, serving approximately 45,000 students.

• Postsecondary Education: BIE funds two postsecondary institutions and provides grants to 29 tribally controlled colleges and universities, and two tribal technical colleges.

• Facility Maintenance and Construction: Significant investments are made in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of educational facilities.

• Education Management and IT: To optimize learning opportunities and support the overall educational framework, BIE funds education management and IT services. This includes supporting the costs of distance learning and enhanced classroom technology, including the implementation of a new Education Learning Management System.

• Specialized Programs and Initiatives:  BIE funds support various specialized programs to enhance the educational experience for Native American students.

• Professional Development: Professional development for teachers, improving instructional quality.

• Support Services: BIE funds support student transportation, health services, nutrition programs, and special education.

Aligning Gameplan with BIE's Mission and Funds

If you are new here, Gameplan is an instructional esports platform that utilizes a powerful and innovative method of instruction: esports. We align with CTE Pathways and offer resources for extracurricular and curricular programs to increase student engagement. There are countless benefits to having esports in schools, the most prominent ones being in increasing regular attendance, engagement, and opening up new career opportunities.

There are several ways to align BIE’s mission with Gameplan and secure funding for your school. BIE schools across the state are taking measures to ensure remote learning is easily accessible for all students. Moreover, BIE schools are investing in upgrading their digital infrastructure, recognizing the importance of internet connectivity.

Integrating a Digital Curriculum 

The BIE has a comprehensive guide for schools and educators for choosing and implementing digital curriculums. Gameplan meets all the criteria listed in this guide, including;

• Alignment with Standards: Our curriculum is aligned with standards such as CTE, SEL, ISTE, NGSS, and more.

• Flexibility and Customization: Our tools allow educators to customize all courses, and schedules to meet the unique needs of each teacher and classroom. 

• User-Friendly Interface: Gameplan has an intuitive interface, making it easy for teachers and students to navigate. We also have accessibility features such as assistive reading technology to support diverse learners. 

• Comprehensive Content Coverage: Our comprehensive curriculum covers a comprehensive range of content such as Media Production, Cybersecurity, Esports Introduction, Game Development, and more.

• Assessment and Progress Tracking: Gameplan offers many assessment tools to track student progress and attendance. We provide you with the data and statistics you need to track progress and performance.

• Professional Development and Support: A library of professional development courses designed for administrators, IT departments, and educators on how to integrate esports into educational programs are available in-person, hybrid, or virtual at demand. Our customer success team also offers ongoing technical support, whenever needed.

• Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS): Gameplan integrates to your existing LMS and SIS to get started within minutes. 

When applying for BIE funds, schools can enhance their proposals by listing Gameplan as their provider for digital curriculum, professional development, and comprehensive educational tools. Gameplan’s robust platform not only aligns with academic standards but also offers customizable courses, intuitive user interfaces, and extensive content coverage in areas like Media Production, Cybersecurity, and Game Development. 

By utilizing Gameplan, schools can provide blended learning, real-time progress tracking, and essential support for diverse learners; demonstrating a commitment to innovative and effective educational strategies. Including Gameplan in your BIE fund application showcases a proactive approach to embracing digital transformation and enhancing student engagement through cutting-edge instructional methods like esports.

Modernizing Native American Education with Digital Solutions

BIE funds undoubtedly play an important role in enhancing educational opportunities for Native American students, ensuring they receive a quality education. With the growing importance of digital curriculums, BIE's investment in technology and remote learning tools is a step towards a more inclusive and flexible educational system. Gameplan aligns perfectly with BIE’s mission and funding objectives, offering engaging, standards-aligned content that supports the academic and personal growth of Native American students. 

Get started in your journey and start securing funds today. Schedule a call with us!

*For more information, please refer to the Bureau of Indian Education’s website.