schools
Innovation, data fixes fuel Native American graduation gains at federally funded schools
By Savannah Peters, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 12, 2026
· 6 min read
During his senior year of high school on the Puyallup Reservation, Gerald Dillon traded much of his academic coursework for career training. When he walked into the second grade classroom where he worked as a teaching assistant, students would rush from their seats for a fist bump or a hug.The 18...
Key takeaway The 18-year-old, who once found classes boring and put in only enough effort to pass, found renewed purpose to come to school everyday.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where a significant Native American population resides, the gains in graduation rates at federally funded schools are noteworthy. The shift towards technical training and career readiness, as seen in schools like Chief Leschi, may offer valuable lessons for local educators. San Antonio's own school districts could benefit from exploring similar innovative approaches to improve student engagement and academic outcomes. Furthermore, the importance of accurate data collection, as highlighted by the changes in reporting standards at the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education, is a crucial aspect that local schools should also prioritize. By adopting more effective methods to track student progress, San Antonio schools can better identify areas of improvement and develop targeted strategies to support their students. As the city's educational landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to monitor the impact of federal policies on local schools and ensure that progress made in Native American education is sustained and built upon.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? During his senior year of high school on the Puyallup Reservation, Gerald Dillon traded much of his academic coursework for career training. When he walked into the second grade classroom where he worked as a teaching assistant, students would rush from their seats for a fist bump or a hug.The 18...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Savannah Peters, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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