Due to Alaska's unique culture, geography and history there are various State and Federal laws affecting the education of Alaskan children, especially Native children. Under these laws, several kinds of school systems operate for rural Alaska communities--Bureau of Indian Affairs, Regional Education Attendance Areas, city and borough districts,…

Beginning in 1981, a 3-year study examined implementation of decentralization in rural Alaska education; legislated decentralization had begun in 1975 largely in response to the Native self-determination movement. All rural local school administrators were initially surveyed. Based on their responses and other statewide data, four types of…